My first study abroad to Ghana, Accra

“While the rest of the world has been improving technology, Ghana has been improving the quality of mans humanity to a man.”

― Maya Angelou

Before my two week study aboard trip to Ghana, I was super nervous. It was my first time going outside of the country! I had to receive four shots, and mentally and emotionally prepare myself. I have heard so many things about Africa, good and bad. I took the plunge and experienced a bit of Africa for myself.

During the first day in Ghana, we toured the University of Ghana. The campus was amazing and huge. It was about the size of IU Bloomington. The University of Ghana is the oldest and largest of the thirteen Ghanaian public universities. It was founded in 1948, in the British colony of the Gold Coast, as the University College of the Gold Coast. Seeing the University made me feel empowered and proud! One of my favorite experiences was visiting the W.E.B Du Bois home was awesome! He changed what black masculinity looked like. He was also a Pan-Africanist. He helped create the NAACP. He died in Accra, Ghana on August 27, 1963. He earned his degrees as Fisk University and Harvard University. Being inside of him home made me feel empowered! I read a lot about W.E.B DuBois involvement in the Women’s Suffrage movement, and it always amazed me. Being inside of his home made me feel like I was walking in the footsteps of greatness.

My next favorite place that we visited was the Ancestral River Park. This is where the slaves had their last bath and walked barefoot through from the northern region to the Gold Coast. It was a very emotional part of my trip in Ghana. It made me look at my ancestors not as slaves, but strong warriors. I felt as if I was walking with the ancestors. It was a powerful moment for me. Some of them were sold off to rich Europeans, but I am my ancestors and I returned back to Africa.

My last stop on the trip was to Elmina Slave Castles which was first built by the Portuguese then taken over by the Dutch then the British I learned about what slavery meant on a cultural standpoint as well. Slavery existed in Africa as indigenous slavery- servitude. Slavery became brutal when the Europeans got a hold of it. The Ashanti people always fought against slavery and were never enslaved. Many Chiefs lost their lives trying to protect their people which is something that is not taught. I learned that while some Africans did participate in the slave trade for greed and money, some did not! When we reached the Door of No Return: Where slaves existed and went to the Americas, Europe, or Asia, I was stunned. I walked through the Door of No Return and returned!

Unfortunately, my journey came to an end. I am definitely a changed person due to this experience. I have gotten to know my past, so I can have a brighter future. I was around loving supportive people who made the trip worthwhile. I discovered what many people don’t have the opportunity to do, and because of that I am forever grateful. What I learned the most about during my journey was love and forgiveness. The past is not about blaming sides, but making sure both sides come together and never repeat what has been done. You cannot move with hate, but only love and forgiveness.

I plan to visit a different country in Africa one day... perhaps South Africa :)