Television

The Book of Negroes (BET/CBC)

Synopsis

The Book of Negroes depicts the extraordinary life journey of Aminata Diallo – an indomitable African woman who cuts a swath through a world that is pre-disposed to underestimate her.  Kidnapped by slave traders in West Africa and subsequently enslaved in South Carolina, Aminata must navigate her way through the American Revolution in New York, the isolated refuge of Nova Scotia and the treacherous jungles of Sierra Leone, before ultimately securing her freedom in England at the dawn of the 19th century.  As great as her accomplishments are, Aminata discovers that her desire to reclaim the home of her childhood can never be fulfilled and that in order to find peace, she must carve out a new home of her own.

Reviews

"Historical tales like this can sometimes feel like homework - like "the right thing to do," or some sort of Black History Month obligation - but the creative team at work here makes The Book of Negroes a tough lesson worth learning." - Sarah Rodman, The Boston Globe

"A model for presenting a fictional story based on an admittedly terrible historical reality (the slave trade) without oversimplifying the moral and political issues involved." - Sarah Boslaugh, Playback

"When I popped in BET's The Book of Negroes, I had a lot of preview screeners to get through, and only intended to sample it. Six hours later, I was still still sitting in pretty much the same position, riveted." - Gail Pennington, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Graphic cruelty, not to mention violence, makes for difficult viewing in this lavishly produced miniseries. But it's worthwhile." - Joanne Ostrow, Denver Post

Awards

NOMINATED - Critic's Choice Awards

SHORTLISTED - Peabody Awards, 2015