The most difficult part of the trip to the Motherland was standing where my ancestors stood. It was heartbreaking, infuriating, and just extremely sad to walk in the holding chambers, stand in the cells, and hear of the conditions they endured. It was also humbling, inspiring, and motivating to know that I possess just a small drop of blood of the strength, resilience, and fortitude they had when they survived those conditions to only make it to America and have to endure even more harsh circumstances. I’m so proud and honored to stand at what is now the “Door of Return”.
There are three slave castles and nearly 50 forts along the coast of Ghana. The Cape Coast Castle was constricted by Britain. The Elmina Castle was constructed by Portugal. The Christiansborg Castle was constricted by Denmark. During our visit, we went to the Cape Coast and Elmina castles. These are where the slaves were kept and forced to endure inhumnane conditions for up to three months until the next fleet of ships arrived. They would then embark on their cruel journey to America for two months, sometimes longer, depending on the weather conditions and direction of the wind.
Where our feet stand is where they lived for months, separated from family and friends, in isolation among strangers who were forced to endure the same struggles and hardship. They were chained, shackled, and confined in this dungeon, made to release bodily waste, shed tears, and forced to dwell in the filth of it all.
As I toured the premises and learned the details of our cultural past, I was struck with sadness while simultaneously warmed with appreciation and pride. Thankful and proud to know that our ancestors not only made it through but that they also maintained collective strength and produce cultural greatness throughout the entire African Diaspora across world. To bear witness and return back to where it started gave new meaning to the poem I often recited in oratorical and pageant competitions during adolescence- “Still I Rise” by Soror Dr. Maya Angelou.
Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
More photos are available of the two castles I visited: Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle.
Until next time,
Xoxo