The trip to Ghana has resonated strongly with many aspects of my life. I was moved by the gentility and openness of the people, the beautiful forrest preserves and the stormy seas, the striving of the youth culture, and the profound connections with American history. But nothing hit me like the visit to the slave fort, Elmina Castle. The dark cells, the feeling that I was walking among ghosts, and the meaning of the “door of no return” have echoed and will echo in my consciousness every day that I walk this earth. Instead of elaborating on this, I will close with a poem written shortly after our trip to Elmina.

some names 

 

legon   east legon  old fadima        sodom and gemorrah  nima

winneba    obutu    saltpond    adjumako    kakum    swedru

balme library    kofi anane memorial school    holy boys metal works

the awostic spot   mama lee’s joint   the metaphysical science society    glee mart

why oh why rentals    he was motor parts    happyland walk-in canteen    dnr

take your time carwash   formula one chemist   de crib bar and restaurant

chez afrique   queen’s cake and floral center   blushing man    the living room

zionsoul weld and aluminium company    single spine chop shop and joint

the peculiar international school    thank you jehova tyres

fort william and elmina castles    cape coast   gold coast

Trayvon Martin  Tamir Rice  Darnisha Harris   Eric Garner

Sandra Bland   Alton Spencer   the door of no return