UPDATE: 'Roots: The Heritage Game' is Released; Learn About Black History; Photo Available 11/19/2003
From: Susan Rutherford, 866-539-0073 KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 18 -- What do Don Barksdale, Tiger Woods, and Michael Jordan all have in common? They are all incredible sportsmen. What if you add Chuck Cooper, Robert L. Johnson, and Chamique Holdsclaw to the assortment? All are African-American and each has made a tremendous contribution to American history. Now is the time everyone should know their names and others' without having to research the little known, but significant people on the long list of black American accomplishments and how America benefited from their hard work and perseverance. In an unprecedented collective effort between the Estate of Alex Haley and Heritage Works Inc., "ROOTS: The Heritage Game" has been released on a CD-ROM for personal computers as a creative and fun way to learn about black history. In a unique environment of intrigue and learning, ROOTS introduces a Griot ("GREE-oo"), the traditional wise man and story teller of West African culture, to guide players through the trivia game. Wise in word and in voice, the Griot begins by sharing the story of the Baobab tree ("bay-o-baab"). This immense and important tree is indigenous to Africa and lives for more than 1000 years. The Baobab is revered as a source for fertility and wisdom in many African cultures. In the game, the Baobab tree is transformed into the important position of bearing points for players' correct answers. The Griot then challenges players to master facts and accomplishments integral to black history of the past and black influences of today. Over 1100 questions challenge players in subjects ranging from History, Science, Arts & Literature, Sports, Entertainment, and Government. Each question is selected by the player from three levels of difficulty, with more points given for more difficult answers. The interactive game targeted for age eight to adult was developed over the course of eight years and the quality of information and ease of usability is readily apparent. One to six players customize their experience by selecting an image and deciding on a personal soundtrack, from funk to hip hop, all of which is shown and heard as each player takes his or her turn at answering the challenging question. For further personalization and development, each player's achievement is tracked in statistical format and can be tallied alone or in comparison to other players. Cumulative results are available over several sessions. Heritage Works Inc., was founded by life-long friends, Thomas Donovan and Clarence Mason. The company is committed to educating the general public on the rich heritage of African-Americans' contribution to society. During his childhood, Mason witnessed the scars on his great-grandmother's back inflicted on her as a slave. Since then, Mason vowed to contribute something of importance to America. In 2000, Heritage Works Inc., developed a relationship with George W. Haley, U.S. ambassador to The Gambia and brother of the late Alex Haley, author of ROOTS, the most powerful and significant African-American saga of the 20th Century. As a result of the relationship, the Estate of Alex Haley teamed with Heritage Works to form Haley-Heritage Venture to develop the game. Ambassador Haley stated, "ROOTS: The Heritage Game opens a world of learning through a creative medium. This interactive game will provide a new way to learn and understand African-American history. I commend Mason and Donovan for working with the Estate of Alex Haley to bring it to the American public." The Haley-Heritage Venture is committed to marketing games to young and old alike across America, including every school district, fraternal and youth organization. "ROOTS: The Heritage Game," rated "E" for everyone, is invaluable to the learning process, especially as students live, work and participate in a culturally diverse society. Visit the website at http://www.heritage-works.com for more information and to order copies of this significant educational opportunity. ------ Editor's note: High resolution, publication-ready photo(s) supporting this story available for free editorial use at: http://www.wirepix.com/newsphotos/USN |