 In the United States, the success of Alex Haley's book "", published in 1976, and "Roots", the subsequent television miniseries based upon it, broadcast on the ABC network in January 1977, led to an increased interest and appreciation of African heritage amongst the African-American community.The influence of these led many African Americans to begin researching their family histories and making visits to West Africa.In turn, a tourist industry grew up to supply them.