His Excellency Momodou Lamin Bah, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of The Gambia to the United States of America, on Friday, 18 September 2026 addressed the 55th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) of the Congressional Black Caucus at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C.
Ambassador Bah was invited by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation to contribute as a speaker to discussions on issues affecting African Americans and the global Black community. The Conference convened under the theme “Roots at 50 and Beyond: Narrative, Diplomacy and Economic Empowerment of the Diaspora,” provided a platform for policymakers, diplomats, development experts, business leaders and civil society organisations to explore new approaches to strengthening the United States-Africa partnership.
In his remarks, Ambassador Bah acknowledged the profound contribution of the Alex Haley family to global awareness of The Gambia. Reflecting on the transatlantic slave trade, he noted that its legacy continues to affect the economic development of the African continent, stating: “Our strong human capital was taken and that continues to affect us to this day.”
Ambassador Bah informed the gathering that the Government of The Gambia recognises the monumental work of Alex Haley, particularly as the country joins the Haley family and the international diasporan community to commemorate “Roots at 50”. He said that The Gambia Government is currently working on rebranding the Roots Homecomingfestival and will be relaunching the rebranded home-coming event very soon. He encouraged members of the African American community to look beyond the usual cultural and heritage visits to the continent, and consider diverse investment opportunities in The Gambia and the continent. He further highlighted the role of Roots in showcasing the sacred work of Gambian oral historians – the griots – who have preserved history across generations through accurate oral narration. He said this contributed significantly to enriching Alex Haley’s book, Roots.
Speaking on the impact of the book and film, Ambassador Bah noted that Roots brought The Gambia and its river into global prominence. He observed that prior to 1976, The Gambia rarely featured in international headlines, except during its periodic multiparty elections, which were uncommon at the time. “Roots changed that,” he said. “People began asking where The Gambia was located and where the River Kambi Bolong flowed from.” He added that the work afforded the world a deeper understanding of The Gambia and provided a significant public relations boost, as journalists visited the country to verify and explore the narrative.
Addressing the distinguished gathering, His Excellency Wes Moore, Governor of the State of Maryland, paid tribute to the Alex Haley family and urged the African American community to continue to persevere. He honoured the memory of Africans who entered the United States through the dock of Annapolis, noting that the City Dock hosts the memorial of Kunta Kinteh and Alex Haley. Governor Moore disclosed plans to organise a convergence at the dock where enslaved Africans first arrived, to pay special tribute to the Haley family for illuminating the sorrows of slavery. He also acknowledged all those who contributed to the eventual freedom of enslaved Africans.
In his statement, Congressman Gregory Meeks of New York emphasized unity, growth and the political strength of the Congressional Black Caucus. He noted that the Caucus has played a vital role in shaping federal policy, supporting economic investment, and defending essential social programmes. He paid special tribute to the Alex Haley family for the profound cultural, historical and genealogical impact of Haley’s groundbreaking work, Roots: The Saga of an American Family, noting that the legacy of Kunta Kinteh continues to resonate deeply with African Americans.
The event was attended by members of the Alex Haley family and hundreds of African Americans who converged at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in recognition and celebration of their heritage.
