2019 marks the 400th anniversary of the first enslaved Africans from Ghana arriving on the shores of Jamestown, Virginia. While this sordid history is a tough pill for both sides of the tale to swallow, the country has chosen to commemorate the occasion with a “Year of Return” celebration that acknowledges the cumulative resilience of all the victims of the Trans Atlantic slave trade who were scattered and displaced through the world, and calling them “home” to Ghana.
Throughout the year, many people of African descent across the diaspora have made the journey to Ghana to partake in the numerous conferences and vibrant festivals, like Afrochella and the Chale Wote Street Art Festival. Recently, Steve and Marjorie Harvey along with their family, made the journey ‘home’ and the experience was a soul-stirring one.
During a visit to the Elmina Slave Trade Castle, walking the path of their ancestors through the castle and out of the “Door of No Return,” took a deep emotional toll on the Harvey clan as the weight of history fell heavy on their hearts and spirits. In a video shared to Instagram, Steve Harvey spoke about his experience and encouraged others to honor our ancestors by returning to Ghana.
“This was real pain I felt going back to Ghana’s slave castles…I could feel my ancestors on me… Powerful beyond words that I can explain. I encourage as many of you as possible to go HOME for your ancestors. Their strength is in each of us and we must honor their ultimate sacrifice in all that we do,” said Harvey.
Many on Instagram shared with the couple that they had similar emotions during their visit and offered comfort to the Harveys. Check out more photos from the Harveys journey to Ghana and be inspired to go on one of your own.
