By Paris Norman, Tiffany Moore, and Keionna Badie
This Theory-To-Practice grant explored Pan-Africanism and its legacies in Ghana.
For many years, Africans, African-Americans, and Afro-Caribbeans have held misconceptions about one another which has caused a disconnect within the communities. However, in recent years, there has been a shift in this relationship that has fostered inclusivity, positivity, and unification. This renewed solidarity has been celebrated by events such as the Year of Return and also the Right to Abode law created by the Ghanian government. In our presentation, we will discuss Pan-Africanist leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah, Marcus Garvey, and W.E.B. Du Bois. We will also discuss the Transatlantic Slave Trade’s historical significance as it relates to present-day relationships between Africans, African-Americans, and Caribbeans.
Our project provides pictures, videos, and personal anecdotes to describe our experience as African Americans visiting Africa for the first time. Our initial motivation for visiting Ghana was to conduct research on Pan-Africanism, but we witnessed and experienced its positive legacy ourselves in several ways. We would like to share our experience not only as curious students but as African Americans who have experienced blackness in a new way.