A family of eight from Mississippi embarked on a week-long cultural tour in Ghana to reconnect with their ancestry and experience local culture.
Birthright Journeys, a local tour planner, organized the trip, which included a visit to Elmina Castle and Fort Prinzenstein. The family was guided into the dungeons where their ancestors camped for weeks and months prior undertaking the Middle Passage.
They also went to the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, the National Museum, and a few other tourist attractions, as well as some adventure.
Elder Pastor Haywood Hannah, who led the family on this all-important trip, said, “No matter how hard things were for our ancestors, there is a new opportunity to work hard to make them proud. This is the orientation I want to leave for my children, my grandchildren and my entire family”.
Pastor Hannah stated that, while previous instances represented a terrible event, the most essential thing right now for all black people and people of African descent is to go ahead and win future battles in order to leave lasting legacies.
Reginal Jefferson, a family member, said the trip was crucial because it allowed him to reconnect with his ancestors and walk along their journeys.
“The point of no return, has become a point of return for I and my family and it is an emotional experience to be here,” he said.
The trip’s facilitator, Birthright Journeys, highlighted how vital it was for every African American to trace their roots back to mainland Africa and reunite with their motherland. Birthright stated that it provides possibilities for all black people of African origin to have this experience and reconnect with their ancestors.
As part of the journey, the family was led through Keta’s traditional naming ceremony, when they were formally welcomed and initiated into the James-Ocloo Royal family.
Flora Hannah, Dr Jannelle Hannah Jefferson, Hart Jefferson, Brooklynn Jefferson, Jacob Jefferson, and Eli Jefferson were among the other family members who took part in the journey.