Roots (2016) s01e02 Episode Script

1 Your name is your shield.
You are Kunta Kinte, son of Omoro and Binta Kinte.
What is the warrior's first responsibility? I know what I want.
The first duty of a Mandinka warrior is to raise a family, to have children.
It's time your family paid for all the trouble they have caused me, Kunta.
Run! Hyah! Sell the boy to the English with the other captives.
Take as many of his friends as you can.
Jinna! You can't buy a slave.
You got to make a slave.
I am Kunta Kinte.
That's not your name.
Toby's your name.
Say your name so you know this ain't Africa.
This is Virginia, and you're the property of John Waller like the horses and hogs.
Nothing more.
You can't trust Fiddler.
Sell him.
I'll buy him.
This is none of your business, brother.
The amount of money that you owe me, brother, the entire estate is my business.
Tell me your name! Say it, damn you! Kunta Kinte.
Toby! He said it.
Toby.
For 10 years, not a day went by that Kunta wasn't looking to escape again.
And when that opportunity arose, he took it.
Soldiers! Soldiers! Soldier! Soldier! Help! Help me! Soldier! Soldier! I will fight for your king.
Toby! Get back here, you skulkin' ape! My name is Kunta Kinte! Surrender your weapon.
You are English.
You know Juffure.
I am a Mandinka warrior.
Mandinka, eh? I will kill many Americans for your king! You'll have to walk.
Head east into the Great Dismal Swamp and meet up with Lord Dunmore's Ethiopian regiment.
You'll be given food, shelter, and a letter of manumission.
What is "a letter of manumission"? It's the piece of paper that states you're free.
And slave masters will believe this paper? They will in England.
Hyah! Single file! Forward! Touch him and you'll look the same soon enough.
Better off being actually dead than living dead.
- What sickness do they have? - The pox.
- A new recruit? - He's a Mandinka warrior.
Says he wants to fight for us against the Americans.
What's your name? Go on.
You're safe here.
It was the English who captured me and brought me to this country.
Now you tell me I am "safe.
" Quite so.
Quite so.
You'll be wanting a meal and a good night's rest.
Lord Dunmore will be around in the morning with orders.
I wish you well.
My people fought three wars with the white men and signed three peace treaties.
All brought death.
Why you fightin' for them? You already free.
I'm free to watch white planters take our land.
Kill more animals than they can eat.
Leave us nothing.
Can you see good enough to fight? I see good enough.
I found my way here.
Don't think about even their own people.
I figure I can at least spook some of them rebels.
They don't remember where they came from.
My Massa put out his cigar in my eye 'cause I cried when he sold my ma and sisters.
I ran away the next day.
You have children? I have a younger brother your age.
He, my mother, and my father are still in Juffure.
Africa.
I have not seen them in almost 10 years.
When the governor of Virginia comes tomorrow, he'll give us our guns and our freedom papers.
Mm.
Mm.
This governor rules all of Virginia? - Every last plot and parcel.
- Then he must have slaves.
Did he free them, too? English say white man who fights for King George can keep his slaves.
That says "liberty to slaves.
" That says "liberty to slaves.
" - Do you know your size? - Big.
That says "liberty to slaves.
" Ruck up, men! Ruck up! There's much work ahead.
Prepare yourselves for glorious battle.
Lord Dunmore will issue his orders shortly.
Thank you.
I am Kunta Kinte.
Carleton.
Okay.
Your mother and sisters will be very proud of you, Carleton.
Mm.
You are to march east to the Great Dismal Swamp.
Rebel factions have taken the bridge that serves as the passageway through to the Carolinas.
Your orders are to take that bridge.
Where are our guns? We have encountered heavy rebel resistance along crucial supply routes in Charleston and New York Harbor.
Our armaments are delayed.
You will instead be armed with pikes.
Pikes? If you want your freedom, you'll fight with what we give you.
Will you be fighting on the bridge with us? You are not to question his Lordship's orders I am your commander, who serves at the pleasure of the King, who imparts our purpose.
Therefore, it would be imprudent of me to march into battle with you.
Then may we have your gun? Why are you not advancing across the bridge? Without guns, we cannot defend ourselves in this fog.
You were all given orders.
If you do not follow them, you will be charged with mutiny and summarily executed for desertion.
Now secure this bridge! Company! Will advance at the ordinary! Forward, march! Stay behind me.
Advance.
Charge bayonets.
Take the bridge.
Charge bayonets.
Take the damn bridge! Huzzah! Shh! Hold your ground! Go back! Shoot anyone who leaves this bridge! - Can you swim? - Huh? - Can you swim?! - Y-Yeah.
There are snakes?! Stay here.
Stay here.
From now on, we don't fight for English.
We fight for ourselves.
You understand? Now we look for a place that's safe.
I hear them.
Let's go that way.
Carleton.
Carleton.
Let them hounds loose! Keep those barrels moving! Oh, how come me here? Oh, how come me here? Oh, how come me here? Oh, oh, River Jordan Farewell, hard times Farewell, farewell Farewell, dark times Farewell, farewell Ain't gon' see ya no more Farewell, dark times Farewell, farewell Ain't gon' see ya no more Don't you look dashing in that costume, Toby.
Unh-unh! Get him up here.
What you got here? Oooh.
Just like the poster said.
You sure do got the treasure map here.
What's this writin' say? "Liberty to slaves.
" "Liberty to slaves"! Phew! Man alive! I done seen an elephant.
I ought to get something sewed on my jacket.
How 'bout "Friend to the slaves," seein' as I went to Hell across lots to bring you back home.
Hmm? Tie him up.
Let's go.
But first, the law says that I got to fix things so that you don't wander off no more.
No.
- Shh! - No! - Just relax.
- No! - You're spent, Toby.
- No! - No more runnin' for you, boy.
- No! No! No, please! - No! No! - No more runnin' for you, boy.
Get back here, ya skulkin' ape! Kunta, Allah sends us dreams to guide us.
- Your name is your spirit.
- Come.
Tell me your name.
Tell me, damn you! - Come.
- Your name - Kunta Kinte! - is your shield.
Toby! Say it! As soon as he's mobile, he's going in my pocket.
It don't matter what the Massa call you.
You keep your true name inside you.
Dream of seeing your family again.
Will you do that for me, Kunta? Guide me, Fa.
Be with me, Allah.
How did you find me? You are a Mandinka.
You will always be a Mandinka.
May Allah guide you.
You got to live.
You hear me, Kunta Kinte? Kunta Kinte.
Always remember who you are.
May Allah bless you.
May Allah keep you.
Fever's finally broken.
I'm so relieved you gon' make it, Toby.
My name is Belle.
I'm using my medicine.
Works better than Dr.
Waller's.
Let me die.
Well, you almost did die.
After all the the caring that that Belle's done done for you? After all the beggin' and the pr prayin' that I had to do for you? Heaven must've heard me 'cause we we here on Doc Waller's farm.
His brother John owed him a heap of money, so Doc took me and you as a start payment.
So you listen to Belle.
She gon' get you walking again real soon.
Right, Belle? Where will I walk to? Huh? He just needs rest.
- Uh-huh.
- Uh.
Every day after workin' hard, he come here, and he hold your hands.
He call you his warrior son.
I read my Bible.
And God sends signs.
That's a truth.
Doctor Waller's driver ran off two weeks 'fore you got here.
How came that to be? Word gets round.
You gonna be trouble.
I know it.
A good man named Connelly got killed.
Word floatin' on the wind is that was you.
I am ready for you.
You don't have to worry, Massa.
I'm here watchin' him, just like Dr.
Waller told me.
Then you watch him.
Yes, Massa.
Swallow this.
No fuss.
I'll see you next Wednesday.
Mind that cold, now.
Hyah! Toby.
I had this made for you.
It'll help you balance till you're strong enough to walk on your own.
And I asked the blacksmith to fit these old boots here special for you.
Hmm? Well let's just try 'em on, see how they fit.
Ona, come help me with this.
Okay.
You might have fooled Fiddler, but you don't fool me.
He say you was a a great warrior in Africa.
What kind of warrior waits to die?! I seen plenty of men far worse off than you no strip of skin left on they back, overseer beat them near to death.
Seen women worked to death, girls' bodies used up hard no older than children.
But they found a way to get up.
They was warriors.
Not you.
I tell you what.
I will never let you treat me like a Massa in a temper.
- Let's go.
- Fiddler! Ow! Fiddler, it hurts! Fiddler! It ain't hurt me at all.
I guess I'm the fool for livin'.
- That what you sayin'? - Fiddler! I know I'm a fool for puttin' up with all your nonsense.
Open up the gate, boy.
Tell me.
And no matter how much I may play my fiddle for 'em, they ain't ever gonna tear me down.
You right.
I ain't never been free.
And I may never be.
But I tell you this.
Your ornery Mandinka ways, they done started to rub off on me.
So I'mma leave you right here.
And you gonna get your own self up.
You gonna walk right on back to the house, and you gon' say sorry to Miss Belle.
I ain't got nothing else to do with you no more.
I know you have been taught to ride by your family, but not a horse like this.
Who will ride him? Oh, Kunta volunteers.
You are a Mandinka.
You will always be a Mandinka, Kunta Kinte.
Always remember who you are.
Kunta Kinte.
I am Kunta Kinte! Kunta Kinte! Kunta Kinte.
Son of Omoro Kinte.
Kunta Kinte.
Juffure.
In the kingdom of Niumi.
On the Kamby Bolongo.
Shh.
Shh.
Shh.
Thank you Belle.
Hitch up my horse, would you, Spalding? Three stops today, Belle, so late home.
A cold supper will be fine.
Yes, Massa.
It's a shame, you havin' to drive yourself.
Yes, well, God willing, the militia will track down Luther.
And if not, I shall have to buy another driver.
Go! Go! Stop! God damn.
Hey! Hey! Hey.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Shh.
What's he doing? - Goodness.
- Mm-hmm.
- Yeah.
- Whoa.
Toby done calmed him down.
Ooh-whee.
- Touch him.
- Mm.
I've never seen Hyah.
Hyah! Quit staring and get back to work! How on Earth did you manage that? I knew he was scared.
Toby's got a gift for horses.
Real special touch, Massa.
Get back in the field! Ah, ah.
Steady on, Spalding.
What did you think of Toby's special touch with the horse? It was astonishing, no? Why, it's just dumb luck, sir.
The horse is probably smarter than an African.
Good God, man.
The Semites brought horses to Africa when the defeated the Egyptians more than 2,000 years before the birth of Christ.
It never fails to amaze me that you've traveled the world, Spalding, and seem to know nothing about it.
It's sad, really.
Toby could drive for you, too, Massa.
You could see more people, not get tired.
Yes, I guess I wouldn't have to buy another driver.
Mm.
Or a horse trainer.
It would appear that I have both right here.
Well done, Toby.
Hitch up the horse, Spalding.
I'm late.
Yes.
Well done.
Hmm.
Shh.
Come on.
Luther the carriage driver, he was a quiet one like you all the while hatching a devious plan.
Stabbed two militiamen, the bloodthirsty bastard.
Now he's quiet again.
What I'm wonderin' is, do I save myself the trouble of having to look for you, seein' as I got you here now, Toby? Toby! Toby! Get back to the farm! I just came to remind Toby that Mrs.
Malloy's baby could come at any time.
Toby, you remember Massa says you might have to drive him tonight.
Massa'll be awful vexed if you ain't ready to drive him.
Tell Massa I'll be ready.
And you'll catch hell from me if you keep the Master waiting.
Toby stay here in the wagon.
You there! What's all the carousing about? The war's done! British troops have withdrawn from Charleston and Savannah! We're free! No more royal subjects are we! Long live freedom! Long live freedom! Ain't that wonderful? White folk finally got they freedom.
What will happen to the slaves who fought in the Continental Army? I'm sure General Washington will find them work.
Alongside his other slaves.
Sound about right to you? Sounds real fine.
Fiddler! Dr.
Waller's guests want to hear you scratchin' on your fiddle! Yessuh! Lord must've been in a powerful bad mood when He, uh, made white folk.
He must've stubbed his toe.
"Ow!" Tripped over his dog.
Hit his head on a shovel.
And when He was cursing up a storm, He spat out the word.
White folk! Fiddler, get moving! - Go on, Fiddler.
- Yessuh! Now my foot's starting to hurt.
Rain must be coming.
I been putting some yarn aside for you, knit you some socks so your boots will fit more comfortable.
You know, my Kintango came to me in a dream, huh? And he said that a warrior must learn to defeat pain, mm? Now I stand in the downpours.
Oh, Lord.
You and your African ghosts.
They're not ghosts.
They're my people visiting me.
Mm.
Mm-hmm.
Telling me things.
And what do these African ghosts tell you? They tell me the world is bigger than this farm.
Oh, well, of course it is.
We won't never see it.
And you always thinking about it just piles on the agony and makes you loon crazy.
And you not thinking about it makes your life small.
What you know about my life? When have you ever asked me about my life? Massa! Massa! I think Ona's baby is coming! She's not seven months along.
Just false pangs.
They'll pass.
She fainted in the fields.
Doctor, you'd better come quick.
Oh.
All right.
There.
There we go.
Cut the cord.
Okay.
Come along.
Come along.
Breathe.
- Please, Lord.
- Breathe.
- Please, Jesus.
- Breathe.
Oh, please, Jesus.
Come on, little one.
Wait.
Ah! - There we are.
- Oh! Oh.
Oh.
I told you explicitly not to put pregnant hands in the field! She were only harvesting, sir.
She weren't swinging no ax.
She is coming out of your wages.
Where's the wet nurse? She's in the cabin, Massa.
- I'll take him to her.
- No, I'll do it.
You and Toby bury his mother.
We're calling this little boy Noah.
Make a record of it, Spalding.
Out of my way! Oh, thank you for your peace, Jesus.
Thank you for your peace, Lord.
Get back to work! Thank you for your peace, Jesus.
Thank you for your rest, my Lord.
Thank you for your rest, Lord.
Belle, my Kintango teaches Uh, my Kintango teaches me that a warrior must make a family.
And what I mean is, uh Is Every Mandinka warrior must complete these tasks, eh? Like, uh like riding, um, um, paddling, and the Why don't you try and knock again, and maybe talk about something different? Belle.
When I arrived in this country, America, I decided to close my heart.
It was the only way for me to stay strong care for no one.
Then, I remember opening my eyes in great pain.
And the first thing I saw was you.
Helping me.
No, I didn't see you.
I depended on you, but I did not see you.
It took too long, Belle, but now I see a woman like no one I've ever met kind and strong and very beautiful and smart, and I hope that Well, I-I hope that What I would like Yes.
Kunta Kinte, I will be your wife.
She will! Yes! Whatever happens, this matters.
Our love matters.
The Lord sure did limit the amount of time we has together.
But he didn't limit how much we can love one another.
With God as my witness, I say you man and wife.
Even if he parts you tomorrow, your love, it will never die.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Hey, now.
Hey, now.
Hey, now.
Calm down.
We gon' make this official.
There you go.
How does a broom make it official? Well, we jump it together, just like in Africa.
Uh, no people in Africa jump brooms.
You don't know every people in Africa.
Every nigger on every plantation say that jumpin' the broom when you get married come from the old way.
Old ways from Europe, must be.
Passed down from master to slave.
Belle, they making fun of us.
- Oh, no.
- Won't let us marry under their laws to remind us we belong to them, not each other.
Boy, either you jump over this broom, or I'mma swat you upside the head with it.
See this? Making this good woman wait! Look at her.
Look at them eyes.
Look at that smile.
Belle, if doing this makes you happy, I'll jump with you.
High as I can.
- You ready? Mm? - Yes.
Okay.
Mm-hmm.
Aah! Congratulations! May God bless your womb, Belle.
This suit you so well.
Hey, come on, now.
Looky there! Look at that step! Watch it! Come on! Old Massa's wagon.
Doctor's brother.
Oh, Lord, not now.
Not today.
I sure do hate to cause consternation.
Dr.
Waller needs to come quick.
His brother's wife is fixin' to have a baby.
Bless you.
Belle, continue.
I'm sorry.
I have to go.
Oh, so you just wanted to dance with me.
Is that what it was? You look beautiful.
Come on.
Congratulations.
Thank you, Fiddler.
Be sure to be ready earlier tomorrow, Toby, and we'll come back and visit with Mrs.
Waller and the baby.
Yes, Massa.
You mind if I ask what Miss Elizabeth had? Beautiful baby girl Melissa Kathryn.
But we're going to call her "Missy.
" Truly, I've never been happier.
Yes, Massa.
I'm sure you love that child as if she was your own, eh? Don't you dare insult my character or my sister-in-law's virtue.
Do you understand me? You Black bastard.
I'm sorry.
That's not what I meant.
Uh, sometimes my Oh, just drive! I could have killed him.
Hmm? I should have killed him.
He strike me on my wedding day! Shh! It's over now.
It's never gonna be over, Belle! Listen to me.
Listen to me.
Listen to me! At least we're together.
The three of us.
Our family.
There's something I need to tell you.
This won't be my first child.
I had two sons when I was just a girl, but my old Massa sold 'em both and my husband, too.
I never thought I'd be able to have another child.
If I was to lose this one, I'm I will protect our child.
He will be our warrior.
What you gonna name her? I guess "Fiddler" ain't the right name for a little baby girl.
Mnh.
You could call her "Fiddleretta.
" I always thought I'd have a boy child.
A warrior.
I was always too afraid to have a family.
But you got yourself a beautiful baby girl and a beautiful wife.
Yes.
And Massa got us all.
So, this here the the real Africa ways? Naming your child 'fore the stars and all creation.
No.
The man usually names the child alone.
Mm-hmm.
But I have my own way.
And I want you here with me.
- Yeah? - Yes.
I'm here.
And if you if you play my mother's song, then she will be with me, too.
You boys having yourselves a hoedown, are ya? - It's candle-lighting time.
- Yes, sir.
Everybody in the state of Virginia know a nigger can't be on the road after sundown.
We're not in the road.
- Come again? - We're not in the road.
This is Dr.
Waller's property.
Are you correcting me, boy? No, sir! No, he ain't.
He ain't.
We we we on our way to the farm proper.
Whoa.
Hold on, Uncle.
We got to gather us a nigger tax.
I ain't got no money.
How 'bout you just hand over the tar baby? You gentlemen, you got it all wrong.
You got it all wrong.
My name ain't Uncle.
My name ain't "boy.
" My name ain't Fiddler.
My name is Henry.
So y'all call me Henry.
Just get on out of here.
Go on! Just go on.
Go on 'fore you start causing trouble.
- Just go on.
- He's running! Go on! Oh, ho, ho, ho.
Fa is here.
Fa is here.
Fiddler.
Fiddler.
Get up.
Fiddler.
Fiddler! Fiddler, wake up.
Get up! Get up! Now! Fiddler! No! Fiddler! They're never going to let us live, Belle.
Let me have the baby.
- We're running now.
- No! Give me my baby.
No! Many have made it to the North.
No.
Please don't take my child! Please! You'll get us all killed.
Babies cry.
They cry when they hungry, they cry when they cold, they cry when they scared.
When the slave catcher's a foot away and you hiding in the bushes, babies cry.
So we cannot run! I will never make peace with this life, but I will not orphan a child again, not when I have a choice.
They killed Fiddler, Belle.
He saved us.
And they killed him! No, no, no, no.
They killed him! No.
Shh.
I hate this country! America will never be my home! I hate this country! I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
But you Ah! And our daughter, our child, you are my family now.
And I will protect you both.
Hey.
Your name is your spirit.
Your name is your shield.
And I will name you Kizzy which means "Stay put.
" But not stay a slave! Kizzy, you are the daughter of Kunta Kinte, the daughter of Belle.
And though you will never know them, granddaughter of Omoro and Binta Kinte.
Allahu Akbar! Behold! The only thing greater than you.
If you feel him slowing down, just give him a little kick now.
It won't hurt him.
That's it.
How 'bout now, Mama? Mnh-mnh.
You got to mix the honey till it blends in.
One, two Count in your head! Yes, Mama.
Yes.
Very good.
How 'bout now, Mama? Let me see.
Mm-hmm.
That's just fine.
Now you can take some to your papa.
Be careful.
Fa! I made it for you.
Kizzy, I'm here! Missy! Thank you.
Hi, Uncle William! Well, well! Girls, look at Noah, my new horseman.
Hi, Auntie Belle.
Good morning, Miss Missy.
How are you today? Kizzy, look what I brought you.
I spilled punch on it, so I asked Mama if I could give it to you.
It's so pretty.
Thank you, Missy.
Come on.
Let's go play.
But I'm helping Mama.
You don't mind, do you, Auntie Belle? Please? No, no, no.
Belle doesn't mind.
Do you, Belle? For a little while, hmm? - Good.
- Don't go far.
Yes, Mama.
Put on your new dress and let's go! You run, and I'm gonna catch you! One, two, three, four, five, six, seven Will you accept the body and blood of our Savior? You have a soul, child! It belongs to God, not your captor! Let her go! She's mine! Jesus alone can wash you of sin.
Aah! Jesus alone! Jesus! Where'd that old coot come from? He was pickled for sure.
Ye that fear God, give audience.
The darkness of the night that you experience is deserved punishment for your disgraceful and iniquitous practice of keeping African slaves.
This base custom, so evidently contrary to the laws of God, violates the natural and unalienable rights of mankind.
For all those who prosper from slavery, Hellfire will be your ultimate reward.
Will the toubab go to Hell because they own slaves? Because they own us? That'd be a lot of toubab in Hell.
Don't you ever let me hear you say that word again.
But that's what the preacher said.
- You ain't a preacher.
- You mama is right.
You're not a preacher.
'Cause preachers are Hmm? Besides, Hell is not punishment enough for the toubab.
How will the toubabs be punished? What did I just tell you? God will take care of us.
Now eat your food.
Okay, that's good.
That's good.
You don't want to make him fat.
No, I want him to get fat, Fa.
Why? So he'll be happy.
But if he's fat, he can't run, eh? And it's running that makes him most happy.
Running makes him feel free, eh? Hi, Uncle Toby! Kizzy, I brought you a bonnet! Toby, can we see how it fits? Auntie Belle said yes.
We'll just be right outside.
Wait! Don't go far.
- Hey, Kizzy! - Hey, stupid.
Oh, it's so pretty! Thank you! Hold on.
Over here.
- Goes with my dress.
- Sit down right here.
I thought we could read together.
- Missy! - I'm just learning, but I can teach you what I know.
But Mama said slaves have been whipped and put in jail, - and even - So we just got to keep it a secret.
But 'Cause you and me are friends.
Ain't we? Yes.
You and me are friends.
For always.
For always.
- "A.
" - "A.
" Like an apple.
- "B.
" - "B.
" Like, um, a bee.
- "C.
" - "C.
" Like a a cat.
Father! Missy, what are you doing out here all alone with a little nigger girl, huh? We were just playing, Papa.
Yeah, well, this one is devious.
Just like her father.
Anything you need, Massa Waller? I can, uh, get Belle to cook you up something real good.
You take me for a fool, boy? Hmm? Huh? No, Massa.
This pickaninny of yours is trying to beguile my innocent little girl.
You think I'm gonna stand by and let that happen, you have another thing coming.
You understand me, boy? Yes, Massa.
Mm.
All right.
Abigail, here's one for you, and one for you, Kizzy.
Thank you, Missy.
You're welcome, Kizzy.
Here.
You can be the pickaninny.
Why do you get to decide? I'm white, and the Bible says white people are made in the image of God.
This one's my favorite.
Good.
She can be my wife.
Fetch me my dinner, woman.
Get it yourself.
A good wife obeys her husband.
Sort of like a slave has to obey her master? Guess us girls ain't that different after all.
Your nigger's stupid.
Stop being so cross.
Well, I hope that smart-mouth pickaninny stabs you in your sleep.
I'm fixin' to stab you right now! - Nigger lover! - Devil! Missy, don't! Land sakes! Abigail, why are you all screaming like savages? Missy and me was just asking Kizzy to bring us some refreshments.
That's what you all were screaming at? Well, Kizzy, go fetch some refreshments for the girls.
Yes, ma'am.
'Scuse me, ladies.
Careful with that, Kizzy.
They want to have that tonight for dinner? I believe so.
Happy birthday, Kizzy! - Missy, it's beautiful! - Ah! I was worried sick about orderin' it without Mama asking pesky questions.
But then I realized we have the same initials! Hmm? Melissa Kathryn Waller.
Miss Kizzy Waller.
I'm such a ninny, I didn't realize it before.
I'll never be able to thank you.
Oh, no great shakes.
Now, listen, Mama keeps going on about shipping me off to London for finishing school.
And I know you don't believe in God, but say a prayer anyway.
Oh, yeah.
Jesus sure have taken care of us Negroes.
Time's runnin' short.
What's your fancy? You already know all the dreadful Shakespeare dramas by heart, huh? What's this monstrosity? "Doctor John Hunter's Gross Anatomy.
" Mm.
Oh, ew! Is that really what it looks like on the inside? I will never, ever have a baby.
Oh, don't be hysterical.
How does it stand up like that? I I don't "Pubescent male peach fuzz corresponds with the accelerated growth of the corpus spongiosum.
" Ugh, look at all that corpus and hair.
Do you have any hair down there? Hmm? Have you lost your senses?! Let me see! It's my right.
Kizzy, Miss Missy, y'all in here? Yes.
Well, what is it? Your governess is here to fetch you home.
Happy birthday, Kizzy.
Thank you, Noah.
Noah.
Bless your heart.
Perhaps it would help if you ate some peaches.
Happy birthday, young lady! My, how you've blossomed! See you tomorrow! Oh, yes.
That's right.
Happy birthday, Kizzy.
- Thank you, Massa.
- Kizzy.
Mother needs help in the sick cabin.
- Yes, Fa.
- Go.
Go.
We'll ride later, when it is less wet.
What what uh, what is she? She's 15? Yes, Massa.
Well, I suppose it's about time that I bred her with Noah, here.
What do you think about that, Noah? But, uh, Kizzy has not reached womanhood.
- Hasn't she by now? - No, sir.
Her mother knows for sure, and that's what she says.
Well, it won't be long.
All in good time, Noah, eh? If you ever touch her Come with me.
Do what I do.
Your turn.
Go.
The horse is too tall.
And I have a dress on.
And how do you know what you'll be wearing? You must be prepared at all times.
Are you defeated? Go! Faster.
But it don't have a saddle on.
It does not need a saddle.
He was born free.
So be free with him.
Stop kissing and ride him! Hey, faster.
Do not allow yourself to be defeated.
They can put the chains on your body.
Never let them put the chains on your mind.
You are the daughter of Belle Kinte and Kunta Kinte.
Anything is possible.
Go! Eh.
You are more Belle's child than mine.
But what am I supposed to knock it down with? Hey.
Anything within reach, hmm, is a weapon.
Oh! - East.
- Sun comes up.
- West.
- Sun goes down.
- North.
- Freedom.
- South.
- Death.
Binta.
Grandmother.
- Omoro.
- Grandfather.
- Belle.
- Mother.
- Kunta.
- Fa.
Eh? Ah.
Let's go! What are you doing with that?! This is yours? I-I came in for some kindling.
- I wasn't stealing.
- Get out.
- I ain't gon' tell nobody.
- Get out! Kizzy, I swear! Well, it's early in the mornin' Mornin' Well, it's early every mornin' Baby Baby, when I rise When I rise Kizzy, it's been a while now.
And I ain't told nobody, just like I said.
And I won't.
Will you please teach me how to read? Well, it's early in the mornin' Baby Either way, this is for you.
Cuttin' sugar Runnin' my right side For the baby Runnin' my right side For the sugar Runnin' my right side Wellah Well, it's early in the mornin' Baby When I rise When I rise Well, it's early in the mornin' Baby And you follow this creek to the water wheel.
Then you make your way across the field home.
Return before the Massa sees you.
- Okay.
- Fa.
If we were in Juffure, could I be a Mandinka warrior? No.
A woman cannot be a warrior in Juffure.
But they don't know what I know about you.
Now, Kizzy, this country will always be dangerous for you, mm? Many Massas, Massas' sons, overseers, rape slave women and pay no price.
Now, if you ever feel you must kill a toubab, then do it without hesitation.
Only if you are prepared to die yourself.
That is your choice to make.
Do you understand? Yes.
Good.
Come.
Come.
Ready.
Be careful.
Yes.
What if a-a patrol finds her? My Kintango would make us do far worse.
I don't want to hear nothing about no Africa! This is our only child! She has the spirit of a warrior.
She is a child.
Yes.
And I can't protect her.
Fa! It felt like the water was talkin' to me.
Leading me home.
Mm.
When I became a warrior, mm-hmm, my mother gave me beads just like these.
The best one is about a slave who convinces his Massa to free him.
H-How'd he do that? I sure want to learn that trick.
By using logic, and arguing that no man should ever deny another's liberty.
I like that.
And I don't know why Massa threw it out.
It must've been an abolitionist who wrote this.
All other toubab might applaud the speaker's skill but vehemently reject the conclusion.
Wh When I found this, I told myself, "Before I die, I'mma at least learn how to read me a page.
" You ain't dead yet.
I'll be happy to teach you.
But you mustn't tell Fa.
Kizzy, come on.
Kunta the last person I would tell.
I sure would love to kiss you.
Fa, stop.
Nothing happened! - Go home now.
- No.
Do what I say, child! I told you the truth.
If you don't believe my word, then you don't respect me.
The boy knows you can read? Does your mother know? Do you have any idea how you could end up? Hmm? In jail.
Or worse.
You can't frighten me.
You frighten me! Do you know what they want to do to you out there? Reading is my way of being a warrior.
Of being free inside.
And it's worth jail to me or whatever comes.
You clumsy devil.
Be more careful next time.
Yes.
What did you say? Yes, Massa.
A nigger named Noah.
I ain't never knew the doctor to be a man of humor before he gave you that name.
I wonder what my mama would've named me.
What's that, now? Said I wonder what my mama would've named me had she not died the way she done.
You wonder about your mama? I wonder about your Noah! Massa wants that new Arabian broke for the next subscription race, hmm? Just remember one thing you may work for the African, but you answer to me.
I ain't a murderer.
One day, they gon' turn me into one.
They treat you like an animal till you strike like one, hmm? Then they kill you like one.
Not if you get away.
Florida's not a state yet, so any Negro there is somewhat free.
Florida, then.
But it's so far away.
Yeah, it's far.
It's hard to get to.
And it's even harder to be found once you're there.
There's plenty of free Blacks in New York although they live in fear of being abducted.
They can't abduct us all.
Maybe.
But you won't have manumission papers.
Still, spring is hiring season at the docks.
If you made it up there, I'm sure you could find shelter with an abolitionist society stow away on a ship bound for Canada.
And the second that ship docked, you would be free.
- Hey! - Noah, duck! Fa! Are you okay? Yeah.
Some of the roofing hit me.
Eh, I'm fine.
We've got to get to the big house.
Go! Kizzy! Come! - Belle! - Mama! - Belle! - Mama! Where'd this weather come from?! It's gonna stay a while! Oh, Lord! What happened?! Hurry, Fa! Hurry! You think it's a hurricane, Uncle Toby? Hey, hey! Missy? Are you all right? What in God's name is going on? Toby, what happened to your shoulder? Board the window before the debris starts blowing in the house! Be safer in the cellar! Yes, by all means, we must make it to the cellar.
Now, now.
Let's not all play the lady.
This is not a hurricane.
You see? Come and gone just as fast.
All right, it's no holiday.
Get back to work! I'll never get used to this weather! Massa, this storm ain't done.
Well, it appears to be.
Missy, come back to the house.
- Come on in, Kizzy.
- Come on.
Fa! Kizzy! You come back here! Noah! Noah! Noah! Kizzy, is everything all right? You've got to go right now.
- Right this second.
- What do you mean? No militia's gonna be out in the storm.
The dogs can't pick up your scent.
You may get a full day, if not two.
You should go.
Now.
Kizzy, come with me.
Kizzy, we can make a real life together in Canada.
I'll find work.
They got plenty of horses up there.
And you you could go to school.
Maybe even one day teach.
We'll earn enough money to buy back your folks.
Kizzy, please say yes.
Lord, I wish you'd been wrong about this storm! Please go inside and rest that shoulder! He's going to run.
What? Where's Kizzy?! Go in and batten the sick house! If it loses a solitary shingle, it'll be your hide! I can take her to the cellar, sir.
No, we're all going to the cellar.
Kizzy! Kizzy! Where's Kizzy?! Where'd Kizzy go?! Move! Stop lallygagging about! Where's Kizzy?! No! Kizzy! Kizzy! Don't! Kizzy! What are you doing?! Have you gone deaf, girl? Go! Go! - Mama, Kizzy's still out here! - Get into that cellar! - In! - She'll be fine! She needs to be in the cellar with us! Get into the cellar, girl! - She is our family! - Inside! She needs to be with her family! - We are her family! - Close it, Toby! And don't stay out there! Come on! I can't find Kizzy! - This way! - I can't find her! Come on! Where'd our baby go?! Where did our baby go?! - Mama! - Kizzy! Here! Kizzy! Oh, my God! Where did our baby go?! - Throw him in a hole.
- Yes.
Hold! - Roll down - Kizzy! Roll down Roll down Kizzy! Roll down Fa? Kizzy? Fa? Kizzy! Fa! Kizzy! She just sets there cryin'.
Can't get a word out of her.
I just hope the boy makes it.
Go back to the cabin.
Toby.
Get the wagon.
Now! Shh.
Shh.
We're moving out now! Just bring him alive.
Of course, sir.
No time at all.
Noah! You got to come out, boy.
I got to bring you home.
Noah.
Noah, no! Doctor wants to see you.
No.
All of you.
Kizzy, you're to wear your best dress from Missy.
No, no, no, sir.
It is not my fault.
You leave her unsupervised with the nigger girl.
She used your house as her schoolroom.
And now, in addition to all the storm damage I have suffered, I've lost a valuable slave, my Noah.
And you shall be compensated.
- Compensated? - Yes, sir.
Brother, you are a man of debt, not assets! - Doctor.
- Belle.
Now, you've worked for me for a long time, Belle, since I was a young man, and I can honestly say this is a day I hoped would never come.
What day, Massa? I've just received this road pass, forged by Kizzy to Noah, so that he could escape.
- No.
- Yes! No, no, that can't be true.
Yes, it appears that somebody's been teaching her to read and write! What are you waiting for? Come along, gentlemen.
- Do not tarry.
Take this girl away! - Missy! I'm very sorry, Belle.
- Missy! - No.
- No, I'm very sorry, Belle.
- No.
No.
No.
- No! - Missy! - No! No, Massa! - Missy! - Get back! - Missy, you've got to help me! - Please! Please, Massa.
- You've got to help me! Please, Massa, don't take the only child I got left, Massa, please! Help you?! How could you do this to me?! After all these years, after everything that I've done for you! And I was gonna ask Mama to buy you.
- We could have stayed together forever.
- Massa, please.
- Please! - I would have kept you safe.
How could you do this?! You brought this upon yourself.
- Off with her.
- And upon your poor family.
No! You brought it on my family! Take her away.
- You brought it on my family! - Oh, take her away.
- Massa! - What a mess.
I beg you, please, Massa wait! No! Please! Please, listen to me, Massa, please! - I beg you, don't do this, please! - Get off of me.
I promise, Massa, please, don't do that! - Please! Please! - Don't you touch me! Kizzy! What a mess! Oh! What a mess.
- I know Missy is your child.
- Hmm? Now you stop this or I will tell your brother the truth.
Oh, go on.
Tell him about his wife, me and his wife.
Slander his wife to his face, and we'll see how quick he is to wrap a rope around your neck and hoist you into a tree! Did you really think a nigger could accuse me, a white man, of anything at all? Oh, get out of here, you wretch.
Go, go.
Go.
- Kizzy! Kizzy! - Easy, Belle.
Kizzy! No! No, no! My baby! Kizzy! No! No, Kizzy! My baby! - Toby.
- Kizzy! - Kizzy! - Get ahold of yourself.
- No! No! - Mama! Stop! Let her go! Please! Fa! Fa! My baby! Kizzy!! Fa! Fa! Kizzy! Whoa.
Yeah, girl.
Saddle up.
She out? Get in! Hello.
What do we got here? You hidin'? I ain't gonna hurt you.
Whoa, nelly! Now, this ain't the house that Jack built.
Though you sure do look like a maiden all forlorn.
Bet you never heard that nursery rhyme, huh? This is the man, all tattered and torn, who kissed the maiden all forlorn.
Where in the hell do you think you're going?! No! Now, you gonna behave, or do I have to get a whip? Kill me! Kill you? I just spent $600 on you, girl.
You know how long and hard I have to work to earn that money? And this is my right.
No! Kill me! This is my right! Kill me! Stay still, now! You stay still now! No! Kill me! This is my right! Kill me! Kill me.
God damn it.
I heard her howling all the way up at the house.
Miss Malizy? Well, what is it? A boy.
A boy, huh? Well, bring him over here.
Shh.
Well, I'll be damned.
I'm gonna name you after my daddy.
What you think about that? George Lea the Second.
Welcome home, George.
He got to eat now, Massa.
Well, get to it.
Kizzy, you feed him well, now.
Old George is gonna have a mighty big appetite.
- Kill me! - Kill you? I just spent $600 on you, girl! - This is my right! - Kill me! You brought this upon yourself - Help me! - and your poor family.
- Kizzy! - No! Please! Help me! - Help me! - Your name is your spirit.
- Your name is your shield.
- I'm sorry.
I will name you Kizzy.
- I'm sorry.
- Granddaughter Binta of Omoro - Grandmother.
- and Binta Kinte.
- Omoro.
- Grandfather.
Kizzy! Kizzy, no! Please don't take my baby! - Please! - I can't protect her.
Kizzy, please say yes.
I love you.
I've always loved you.
I ain't never been free.
They ain't ever gon' tear me down.
- You got to live.
- I'm sorry.
They can put the chains on your body.
Never let them put the chains on your mind.
First duty of a Mandinka warrior is to raise a family.
You must always honor your ancestors.
The ones who love you and watch out for you.
I don't know if this is the right kind of place.
I don't even know all of the story there wasn't enough time.
But I've got to tell you about our people.
My father is Kunta Kinte.
He's a Mandinka warrior.
You've got to know who he is so you can know who you are.
Look up, little one.
See the stars, the moon, the whole sky.
Behold, the only thing that is greater than you.