Categories: William “Tony” Rogers,
For Africans born in America, traveling to Africa can be much more than a vacation. It can be a journey of discovery, understanding, and reconnection with a continent that is an important part of our history and heritage. This December 7–17, I invite you to travel with me to Northern Ghana for a Cultural Heritage Tour that I believe can become one of the most meaningful journeys of your life.
Ghana holds a special place in the story of the African Diaspora. Many visitors travel to the historic slave castles along Ghana’s coast, where they confront the painful history of the transatlantic slave trade. That experience is important, but our African story did not begin with slavery. To better understand that story, we must also travel beyond the coast and experience the living cultures, traditions, families, kingdoms, and communities of Africa today.
That is why Northern Ghana is so important.
As a traditional Chief of Manwule Village in Northern Ghana and an African born in America raised in Harlem and president of the Harlem Tourism Board, I have had the extraordinary opportunity to experience Africa from two perspectives. I understand the questions many Africans born in America have about our connection to the Motherland, and I have experienced the warmth of being welcomed into a Ghanaian community not simply as a visitor, but as family and now a chief.
From December 7 through December 17, the Harlem Tourism Board’s Cultural Heritage Tour to Ghana will provide an opportunity to experience Ghana beyond the traditional tourist experience. We will explore history and culture, meet local people, experience traditional ceremonies, music, dance and food, visit communities and marketplaces, and learn about customs that have survived for generations.
We will also experience the beauty and excitement of Ghana—from Accra and historic Cape Coast to the landscapes and communities of Northern Ghana. Our journey will introduce travelers to Ghana’s past, present and future, including opportunities for cultural exchange, tourism, business relationships and investment.
Most importantly, this journey is about human connection.
For centuries, people of African descent in America have carried pieces of Africa in our music, food, spirituality, language, creativity and traditions, sometimes without knowing exactly where those connections began. Traveling to Ghana gives us an opportunity to explore those connections personally.
I especially encourage parents and grandparents to consider making this journey with their children and grandchildren. Imagine giving the next generation an opportunity to experience Africa firsthand rather than learning about the continent only through books, television or social media.
December 7–17 is more than ten days on a calendar. It is an invitation to discover another chapter of who we are.
Come travel with me to Northern Ghana. Come experience the culture. Come meet the people. Come explore the possibilities. And most of all, come home to Africa.
Visit www.culturaloneness.com to reserve your spot or call 205 331-0327 to speak to Chief Martin Glin to discuss travel arrangements. You can also call the Harlem Tourism Board at 917 821-7099 for updated information
