Len Robinson’s Search for His Grandfather’s Roots (1988)
Folks
Details
Collection:LPB
Genre: Newsmagazine
Place Covered: Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana
Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority
Date Issued: 1988-06-5
Duration: 00:17:22
Subjects: Genealogy | History | Senegal
Contributors:
- Masingale, Sonya Host
- Robinson, Len Interviewee
- Johnson, Doris Interviewee
- Sagna, Evelyn Interviewee
Description
This segment from the June 5, 1988, episode of the series “Folks” features Sonya Masingale’s report on Len Robinson’s search for his late grandfather Charles Sagna’s family roots. Robinson discusses: his grandfather never discussing where he grew up; his discovery that Sagna was born in Dakar, Senegal; his trip to Senegal; a journalist in Senegal locating Sagna’s family; meeting his family in Senegal; his plans to write a book about his experience; the information he learned about his grandfather’s life before he moved to the United States; and his growing connection with his family in Senegal. Masingale also interviews Doris Johnson, Robinson’s mother and Sagna’s step-daughter, and Evelyn Sagna, Robinson’s grandmother and Sagna’s widow. They discuss their memories of Charles Sagna and their reactions to Robinson’s search.