Four hundred years is a long time to be away from home — about 20 generations worth of time. But that’s how long it took for an African president to issue an official invitation for the diaspora to “return” to their ancestors’ homeland.
Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo labeled 2019 the “Year of Return" and the diaspora heeded the call. Even if it wasn’t a first time experience, for Black tourists who traveled to Africa in 2019, it was definitely a significant one. With 400 years between the first enslaved Africans reaching the United States and the year 2019, the Year of Return acted as an emotionally driven journey that resulted in over $1.9 billion US dollars in revenue and Ghanaian citizenship issued to well over 200 members of the diaspora. Whether deemed as a rites of passage or an opportunity to explore a new — yet ancestral — culture, the consensus is that Ghana owes us nothing.
We spoke with seven Blavity readers in mid-December and they shared their Year of Return plans and experiences.
1. Marquita, 36
Hometown: Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
Current Residence: Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
Have you been to an African country before?
Yes. I have been to Liberia a couple of times. My husband's parents were born and raised in Liberia, I went to learn more about his culture and meet family. It is important for our son to know his extended family and about his roots.
What inspired you to travel to Ghana during the 'Year of Return?'
I have wanted to go to Ghana for a very long time. This year seemed like the perfect time to go, I wanted to be apart of the history. Although it is a painful history, there are many lessons to be learned. Right now in the United States we are in so much turmoil and race is a constant issue. I have been taught to know my history, because it can have a habit of repeating itself. Given the current climate in the United States, if they could go back to stripping people of color of their rights, they would. I want to spend the end of the year and bring in 2020 on the continent of Africa and Ghana seemed like the perfect place to do it. I am excited to attend some of the festivals, like Afrochella and spend a lot of time learning about the culture from the people of Ghana.
What are you most anticipating?
I am anticipating the delicious food, I need to see what this Ghana Jollof rice is all about! Afrochella and the many other Year of the Return events. I will also visit the slave dungeons and the National Park.
Growing up, what was your perception of the continent?
The videos we would see on TV about feeding starving children. I do not remember ever having learned much about Africa and any of the unique countries, cultures and people when I was a child.
As an adult, has your perception of the continent changed?
Yes, I love to travel. Through travel I have seen that we cannot let media or other people's opinions inform us of what a place is going to be like, instead we must experience it for ourselves. Currently I have only been to Liberia, but on this trip will also be visiting Morocco and Ghana. My perception of the continent is that the countries vary in terms of beauty, cultures, languages and struggles. I hope to get to many of the countries and experience the rich cultures they all have to offer.
What's one advice you have for those who want to travel to Ghana for the first time?
Based on what I know now, get your visa application sent in with enough time, more than what is said on the website, as mine took longer!
2. Ashley, 24
Hometown: New York City, New York
Current Residence: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Photo Credit: Ashley
Have you been to an African country before?
Yes. I've been to South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and (in less than a week) Ghana! My first time visiting the continent was for a leisure trip when I traveled with Travel Noire on one of their TN Experiences. Our trip was in Cape Town and it was amazing. My second time visiting the continent, I was hired to do service work with vulnerable children in Botswana. That opportunity meant I had to relocate to Africa for three months, which gave me the chance to visit different parts of the continent.
What inspired you to travel to Ghana during the 'Year of Return?'
Last year, I saw the hype around Ghana for the first time on Instagram. A lot of people I know were out there and, of course, celebrities were there too. Watching their Instagram stories and seeing their pictures — the energy was undeniable. From the seas of melanin to the African rites of passage activities to the dope parties, I knew I had to plan a trip to Ghana as soon as possible. When I heard that the Ghanaian government announced 2019 is the Year of Return, that felt like total alignment. So, I made that move. Any opportunity to come back home to the motherland feels special, but the significance of returning home to West Africa exactly 400 years since we (Black Americans) first arrived in America makes this trip feel like a true Black pilgrimage or rite of passage.
What are you most anticipating?
I'm actually very excited for Little Havana (the Cuban themed all-white party)! It was one of the events that really sold me on coming to Ghana when I saw videos on Instagram. I'm also looking forward to learning more about the history of West Africans during the transatlantic slave trade.
Growing up, what was your perception of the continent?
Growing up, I don't think I had a fully developed concept of Africa (or really any other place) at all. I think, in general, Americans are not very educated about other parts of the world. That's why travel and education are so important.
As an adult, has your perception of the continent changed?
As an adult, I've been fortunate to travel internationally a lot and it has totally stretched my thinking. So, I'm particularly careful about not mistaking American media depictions of certain regions in the world for the truth. My first time visiting Africa, I didn't go there expecting to see starving children everywhere and zero infrastructure. I already knew better. Of course, you can't imagine the beauty of certain parts of the continent until you actually visit though. So, when I actually planted my feet on African soil for the first time, I was blown away by the landscapes, the people, the food–everything. I 100% want to have a second home somewhere in Southern Africa. Don't think I could've ever imagined that growing up.
What's one advice you have for those who want to travel to Ghana for the first time?
Give yourself enough time to handle all of your travel requirements if you're planning a trip to Ghana. I think Ghana will definitely continue to be a big-ticket destination and you don't want to be the person who misses out because you didn't get your Yellow Fever vaccine on time.
3. Rondel, 35
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Current Residence: Brooklyn, New York
Have you been to an African country before?
Yes. Prior to 2019 I had been to nine other African countries. Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Togo and Benin.
What inspired you to travel to Ghana during the 'Year of Return?'
Honestly for at least the last 10 years [I] have wanted to visit Ghana. For one reason or another making it to that country proved difficult (flight costs, timing and other logistics). It was serendipitous that 2019 was coined the Year of Return and also happened to be the year I finally made it to Ghana. I have been to over 60 countries. This was the first time that I had ever seen or heard of a country's tourism board seeking Black people specifically to visit. We are an audience that's never spoken to or cared for as it relates to travel. So for Ghana to extend a warm welcome, especially under the circumstances of African Americans and other Black people in the diaspora to return, was such a beautiful thing. I couldn't resist making this year the year I returned.
What was the most memorable part of your trip?
Honestly every single day of the trip was memorable and topped the last. I think the two best parts of the trip for me was the naming ceremony in Kumasi where we were adorned in authentic kente cloth, met the local chief and leaders, and given Ghanaian Akan names. My [Ghanian] name is Barima Akwasi Kyeretwie, and I've been only responding to "Chief Barry" for short, since I've been back!
The other most memorable experience was the Return Ceremony where, on the other side of the "Door of no Return," our ancestors were put onto the slave ships to head across the Atlantic. A local priest prayed to our ancestors and let them know we made it back home and prayed for our continued journeys throughout the world. We were moved to tears.
What's one thing you saw or experienced that you didn't expect to see or experience?
I did not expect to see so much love for the Caribbean in Ghana! I swear that for every two Ghanaian flags you saw a Jamaican flag, waving from a boat, painted on a wall, hanging from a taxi rearview mirror. The love and connection for Jamaica and the Caribbean at large was so palpable through the food, music and overall vibe of the country. As a first generation American with parents from Grenada and Jamaica, I felt an extra layer of love and connection seeing that.
Growing up what was your perception of the continent?
Growing up, from my American lens, there were so many stereotypes of Africa being thrown around, mainly perpetuated through media — poverty, hunger, violence. It has made many people, particularly Black people in America, so scared and disconnected from Africa. I didn't believe the mass perception, mainly because I had some African friends who would tell me otherwise — hence why I was so eager to travel and see Africa for myself. But I also didn't know what the truth was either. I felt like no one was sharing the truth!
As an adult has your perception of the continent changed?
Seeing 10 different countries in Africa, with my own eyes, I know the truth. There is wealth, there is joy, there is safety, there are immense cultures that I'm encouraging every Black person in the diaspora to experience. Like other ethnic and religious groups, [all] Black people should have at least one journey "back home." What I call Heritage Journeys.
What's one advice you have for those who want to travel to Ghana for the first time?
When traveling to Ghana or anywhere else in Africa, leave your ego, expectations and American-centric mindset behind and be open to embracing what's new as well as absorbing what feels familiar.
What impact did your trip to Ghana have on your life/identity?
I am a changed man. Out of all of my travels on the continent, I feel that Ghana felt the most at home spiritually, and I feel like I officially have a home in Africa with an extended family. I plan to actualize that one day with purchasing property, and setting up a business there at some point soon!
*Rondel owns a travel concierge company, We Are Global Royalty, specializing in African travel catering to the diaspora.
4. Vaneisha, 29
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
Current Residence: St. Louis, Missouri
Photo Credit: Vaneisha
Have you been to an African country before?
Yes. Cape Town Tourism
What inspired you to travel to Ghana during the 'Year of Return?'
I was looking visit west Africa. I found a travel group that was leaving around the same time I wanted to visit, so I jumped onboard.
What was the most memorable part of your trip?
The most memorable part of my trip was the sense of safety I felt in a place that was new to me. The people and space felt like my own. Ghana embraced me.
What's one thing you saw or experienced that you didn't expect to see or experience?
I had some of the most fresh food I’ve ever had while there, it was amazing.
Growing up what was your perception of the continent?
That it was underdeveloped, and not an easy place to live.
As an adult has your perception of the continent changed?
Now, it's developing not underdeveloped which is the same everywhere. I could live In Ghana. All walks of [life] were available.
Photo Credit: Vaneisha
What's one advice you have for those who want to travel to Ghana for the first time?
Be kind and respectful to the people and they will return it to you. Be open and patient.
What impact did your trip to Ghana have on your life/identity?
I will leave Ghana with a connection to the country, people and its culture. Ghana owes me nothing.
5. Gloria, 24
Hometown: Kpetoe, Ghana
Current Residence: Toronto, Canada
Have you been to an African country before?
Yes. Ghana, Togo, Benin and Kenya to visit family and sightsee.
What inspired you to travel to Ghana during the 'Year of Return?'
I’m a citizen of Ghana, who had not been home in a year and half, and wanted to see family as well as experience the festivities firsthand.
What was the most memorable part of your trip?
Spending quality time with family and friends, and seeing Ghana through the eyes of many returnees and friends from around the continent.
Photo Credit: Gloria
What's one thing you saw or experienced that you didn't expect to see or experience?
A renewed appreciation for Ghana and being Ghanaian.
Growing up what was your perception of the continent?
Growing up, I thought of the continent as one riddled with problems, and one I couldn’t wait to leave.
As an adult has your perception of the continent changed?
Now, I see the continent in a much more positive light. While Africa has its challenges, there is still so much to be celebrated. From its rich and diverse culture, to its brilliant minds and infinite resources, I couldn’t be prouder to be African. Absence has definitely made this heart grow fonder. Also, lived experience overseas has led to the realization that the grass isn’t necessarily greener on the other side.
What's one advice you have for those who want to travel to Ghana for the first time?
Keep an open mind, enjoy the food and wear your SPF!
What impact did your trip to Ghana have on your life/identity?
I couldn’t be prouder to be Ghanaian and African. To watch the excitement with which people across the world flock to Ghana, their appreciation for its culture and its history is an experience I don’t take for granted. I have a renewed appreciation for my identity as a Ghanaian, my history and my ancestry. It’s an identity I will walk more confidently in, moving forward.
6. Candase, 32
Hometown: Oakland, California
Current Residence: Oakland, California
Have you been to an African country before?
No.
What inspired you to travel to Ghana during the 'Year of Return?'
It was my first trip to the continent and was something I’d always dreamed of doing. I traveled with my sister, Dr. Brittany Chambers, PhD, to attend the African Interdisciplinary Health Conference to talk about structural racism.
What was the most memorable part of your trip?
The most memorable part of my trip were the beautiful people of Accra, Ghana. Their hospitality, joy and loving spirit. I took home with me inspiration for my business, after seeing so much beauty in the people, the country and the culture!
What's one thing you saw or experienced that you didn't expect to see or experience?
I didn’t expect to feel so at home! I loved that everywhere I went [and] looked there were beautiful people who looked like me! I was no longer the minority and didn’t have to deal with micro aggressions or have to think twice about how I presented myself to the world as a Black woman.
Growing up what was your perception of the continent?
Unfortunately, what society teaches you about Africa doesn’t do it justice. Many were surprised to hear that I chose to vacation Ghana. What people don’t see is the beauty of the country right on the coast, the vibrant night life, numerous successful small businesses, luxury hotels and the beautiful people.
As an adult has your perception of the continent changed?
My perception of Africa was never negative. I always longed to visit and was raised knowing that it is the origin of life for all mankind. As an African American Studies major in college, I knew all about the horrors of slavery, but being in the slave castles is an inexplicable experience, it’s something no book can truly describe. After this experience I felt the resilience of my ancestors and now feel more connected to my history than ever before.
What's one advice you have for those who want to travel to Ghana for the first time?
Don’t wait, it’s what you’ve always dreamed of and more!
What impact did your trip to Ghana have on your life/identity?
The impact Ghana had on me is eternal. To walk where my ancestors walked reinvigorated me to make every moment count everyday. I felt a sense of reconnection to the past and a longing to make my ancestors proud with my future. The impact also inspired my sister, Britany Chambers to launch custom made clothing in Kigali, Rwanda for business women. I’m now addicted to the feeling I had when I visited Ghana and can’t wait to return!
*Candace owns Bay Belle a fashion-forward, sexy clothing collection for women.
7. David, 29
Hometown: Naperville, Illinois; Sauk Village, Illinois and Tema, Ghana
Current Residence: Tema, Ghana and Chicago, Illinois.
Have you been to an African country before?
I lived in Ghana during my childhood from age 4 to 12 and relocated to the States in 2003. I Have also been to Morocco.
What inspired you to travel to Ghana during the 'Year of Return?'
The main reason for traveling to Ghana during the Year of Return was to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of my uncle being enstooled as a chief — it was his tenth afakye (yam festival). I then decided to extend my trip to really learn and understand how the diaspora can come back to help invest in the future of Ghana.
What was the most memorable part of your trip?
My most memorable part of this trip so far was walking in procession as the chiefs of the traditional area where hoisted. its a grand sight to see.
What's one thing you saw or experienced that you didn't expect to see or experience?
I did not expect to see this much wealth once i got to Ghana. I have seen some of the most exotic cars in the world here in Ghana.
Growing up what was your perception of the continent?
Since i grew up in Ghana as a child; I did not get to fully understand the system here. upon arriving as an adult I can really feel and appreciate the freedom here in Ghana.
What's one advice you have for those who want to travel to Ghana for the first time?
My advice to someone traveling to Ghana for the first time is to pick a housing location close to the area they want to hangout and mingle. traffic can be very busy daily.
What impact did your trip to Ghana have on your life/identity?
My trip to Ghana this time has me seriously contemplating staying here and establishing my life.
**Candance, 32**
Hometown: Washburn, Wisconsin
Current Residence: Chicago, Illinois
Have you been to an African country before?
Yes. South Africa and Ghana.
What was the most memorable part of your trip?
It's the stereotypical answer, but my most memorable experience was visiting the Elimina Castle. It's one thing to read it, but its a whole next level experience to walk the path of our ancestors who were enslaved. To see and hear stories of just how barbaric it was. To stand on that land today and be who I am today, it's a privilege. You know what they say, we are our ancestors wildest dreams. I certainly felt like it in that moment.
What's one thing you saw or experienced that you didn't expect to see or experience?
I never expected the impact that seeing black people in every aspect of life, specifically professions, would have on me. It changes your limiting subconscious beliefs, when everyone from the president, CEO's and doctors to the driver and chefs are black.
Growing up what was your perception of the continent?
Extremely impoverished; that paired with the contrast of beautiful scenery, wildlife and luxurious safaris. It was always one or the other.
As an adult has your perception of the continent changed?
Yes, it began to change as I got to meet more and more people from the continent and they shared with me…the truth! There is so much diversity in the Ghanaian experience, let alone the entire continent.
What's one advice you have for those who want to travel to Ghana for the first time?
If invited, don't turn down a Ghanaian engagement, wedding, funeral, outdoor or family get together of some sort!
What impact did your trip to Ghana have on your life/identity?
In so many ways, Ghana made me. I spent most of my adult life in the country and its given me a sense of pride that I never had before and don't know how I lived without it.
*Candance resided in Ghana for many years with her Ghanaian husband and son. She did not travel during the Year of Return, but is an advocate of the country and culture.
