My work is currently being submitted to literary journals and publications as I expand my reach in the poetry space.
GHANA THROUGH MY EYES
In 2018 one of my goals was to save money to take my first trip overseas to Africa in the beginning of 2019. When my spirit speaks, I follow so as my first trip overseas, I booked a ticket for a solo trip to Ghana. I didn’t realize till after I bought my ticket that 2019 marks 400 years since the start of the slave trade in west Africa. This culturally and historical bound trip was so monumental for me because it allowed me to reconnect with self, God and my ancestors. Here is a journey of Ghana through my eyes in 8 days.
DAY 1 - Arrival in Accra, Ghana
Here I’am greeted by my tour guide Francis Awuni of Awuni Tours Ghana. I just landed at Kotaka Airport from a layover flight in Dubai. I spent the rest of day catching up on much needed sleep.
DAY 2 - Accra, Ghana
What an insightful day! Day 2 in Accra was filled with a lot of history about Pan Africanism relating to W.E.B Dubois and Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah. Also, I learned about the oldest and poorest area of Accra, which is Jamestown. Afterwards, I flexed my bargaining skills at the Makola Market and got some drumming lessons. Lastly, while having an engaging conversation with my tour guide and driver the biggest takeaway I had today was Ghanaians and African Americans share similar struggles and experiences yet there is still work that needs to be done to dispel misconceptions of how Africans and African Americans view eachother. View instagram stories/videos below https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17997384994088088/?hl=en
DAY 3 - KUMASI, GHANA
Looovveeeedd my time in the city of Kumasi. The presence of creativity and community was strongly felt. While at the craft village in the Ashanti Region, I learned about the history of the Kente Cloth while witnessing the hard work that it takes to produce it. Not only is it a recognized fashion but each style has a significant meaning. Also, I learned about Ghana’s biggest export, Cocoa and its multi-purposeful effects. Lastly, I made my very own Adinkra cloth with the symbols of Powerful Love, Humility and Strength, and Supremacy of God. All of these experiences are examples of how Ghanaians use their creativity to create entrepreneurial opportunities which in turn directly contributes to the betterment of their community. View instagram stories/videos here https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17997396655095509/?hl=en
DAY 4 - KUMASI & CAPE COAST , GHANA
I started the morning off headed to the Ashanti Kingdom Palace to learn about the past Kings and Queens of the Ashanti region. From there, I left to head to Cape Coast. During the 4 hour ride I was in awe of the lush and beautiful scenery. Right before entering into Cape Coast, I stopped at the slave river where my ancestors took their last bath before entering into the market to be shipped off.
View Instagram Stories/Videos here https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17993572963130242/?hl=en
DAY 5 - ELMINA AND CAPE COAST CASTLE
Visited Elmina and Cape Coast Castle where the transatlantic slave trade happened. There were a range of emotions that I felt from sadness to disgust to frustration. Sadness and disgust because of the past but frustrated that presently black people to an extent are dealing with modern day slavery. I could go on and on but all I can do is do the work of breaking my own chains. My Cape Coast Castle tour guide has a gifted eye and captured some beautiful shots with my iPhone. Photos by @sebastiankwamenatettey
DAYS 5 - 7 CAPE COAST AND ACCRA
The Ghanaian Way! From an outfit I had custom made with fabric I bought from Makola Market to an unexpected wedding invite between a Ghanaian man and African American woman, here is a glimpse of fashion, food, beaches, art, music and dance of Ghana.
View videos here https://www.instagram.com/p/BsoCBcxlrDU/
DAY 8 - ACCRA, GHANA
Before heading to my flight, I stopped by the Artists Alliance Gallery to buy a few items and chilled out at the beach with my tour guide Francis and driver who made my 8 days in Ghana memorable. There were specific places I wanted to visit and things to experience in Ghana. Since I didn’t know anyone in Ghana, I did extensive research online looking for an affordable guide to arrange an itinerary to my liking. That’s when I came across Francis’ business on TripAdvisor. Aside from constructing an itinerary he also arranged for me to have a driver. I really enjoyed our talks about black history, life, and entrepreneurship and I hope our bond will build a bridge between the US to Ghana.