We are finally learning some of the answers to our quest for information about our ancestral homeland and the people that maintained the land and the culture while we were exiled in the diaspora. We realize that we are not disconnected or lost because our ancestors are always with us and just waiting for us to recognize their presence. Five women from the New York Theological Seminary are sharing this experience in Ghana, West Africa, Laura Adams, Dr. Sanayi Beckles-Canton, Christy Martins, RN, Charlene Salley, and Annie Suggs.
Christy Martins, RN shared her first insights, “This has resonated in my spirit since landing. As this marks the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Africans in the English colonies in Virginia, this trip has been filled with so many emotions, both high and low. It is a humbling experience to be in the motherland. There are those who only dream of coming to Africa once in this lifetime. I have been afforded the opportunity to see several countries, but this trip is different. I see this trip as a turning point. One that will define my future, my views, and how I prepare my legacy.
Looking at the beautiful, dark faces and into the soulful eyes of my brothers and sisters, remind me that we as a people aren’t that far removed from each other; that we are indeed cut from the same cloth. I see strength in the exposed shoulders of the chiefs, wisdom in the eyes of the sainted mothers, and untouched innocence in the laughs of the children. I am home. I am the conduit for my ancestors who didn’t make it back to the land of their birth. This continues to be an eye-opening trip and I’m looking forward to the growth I will experience while I’m here.”
Sanayi Beckles-Canton shares, “Hello Ghana I had the privilege to travel to Ghana with my mentor, and spiritual mother. This year is special because it is called the “Year of Return.” Ghana has designated 2019 as the “Year of Return” to commemorate 400 years, since the first enslaved Africans arrived in Jamestown, Virginia in the United States. Ghana is celebrating the resilience of a people that were stolen from their land and enslaved, but their descendants survived. When I think of resilience and all I have lived through, I realized that my ability to overcome life’s hardships was not only about my actions but also about my DNA. I have been here for two days so far and it has changed my life. I realize that Africa is a beautiful place and the people are so loving and happy. Everywhere I have been so far, I have never felt more loved and safer. It is more about finding and understanding who I am. History is important if you are truly going to excel in life. I have twelve more days to go and I am excited about understanding the history and spirit of Ghana and connecting with the people.”
We will continue to share our journey with you!
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