By Kaiya Laguardia-Yonamine
Wow. After over 24 hours of travel, we’re really here in Ghana. In these first few days alone, I have learned so much about the world, about Ghana’s unique history, and about myself. While so many reflections won’t make it in this post, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from those around me.
When I first decided to join this program, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I was convinced to try it out by my friends who were alumni of the program, and thought it would be a nice way to see the media landscape of another area while I’m still in school.
As a mixed Uchinānchu (Indigenous Okinawan) and Afro-Cuban woman, I have dealt with different identity struggles over the years. I hold this space where I have been so immersed in Uchinānchu history and family, but still find myself craving to learn about the holes in my story.
On July 2nd and 3rd, I think some of those gaps finally started to close.
Our group visited two slave castles in two days: Elmina Castle and Cape Coast Castle. Elmina Castle is the oldest and largest slave castle of its kind in Ghana. It began as a trading post for goods and weapons. However, over time, it shifted to human beings. In contrast, Cape Coast Castle was built specifically for the slave trade. Both have been standing for centuries, and have done unspeakable things to millions of families. No words can describe what it was like to set foot there.
I know that as an Afro-Cuban person, I am directly tied to the Transatlantic Slave Trade. My family – my unknown ancestors and relatives from generations ago – were enslaved and brought to Cuba. And there’s a very good chance I will never know who they are, what they looked like, or what they were truly going through. That pain of never knowing stays with me, but so does my appreciation for being able to witness history in real time.
My brain is on overdrive, and my senses are swarmed, but my soul is so extremely full from all the things we have done. I look forward to thinking more about our roles in society, and how to really say “never again” to some of the atrocities still impacting our communities today.