'Roots' TV series launches for a new generation

A "Roots" TV series for a new generation begins Monday night.

Here's what some of the actors who star in the four-part event say about bringing this history to the screen in a remake of the 1977 landmark series.

"This part of history wasn't always taught thoroughly in school, you didn't really get into the nitty gritty of slavery and slave trade and all of the aspects of it," said actress Emayatzy Corinealdi

"Not unlike the Holocaust, part of the reason people retell that story over and over again is to ensure that people don't forget what happened," said actor Laurence Fishburne.

"This generation has very little, if any, detailed knowledge about the history of African Americans, how we got here, you know what our ancestors went through," said actor Tip "T.I." Harris.

"It's important for people to know more about it, to reflect on where they come from so that they can have the pride and sense of self, so you can have the 'I am' which is very important," said actor Forest Whitaker.

"Holding your identity and your humanity against incredible opposition and brutality, that will always be relevant there is no right or wrong time to tell that story," said actor Rege-Jean Page

"Young black children need to know that they come from something extraordinarily strong and extraordinarily beautiful they didn't come from chains," said actress Anika Noni Rose.

"Roots" will be simulcast on the History Channel, A&E and Lifetime starting Monday night at 8 p.m.