Alaffia

Good morning friends. I realize it has been a while since I last shared my journey encounters with you. And today seems to be the right day. We are now in Ghana and my daughters took great interest in taking a day to explore the slave castles here and understand slavery. To me, this time when this inhumane form of trade was generally accepted conduct has resulted in the confusion of post-colonial African culture, economic disparity, and dignity of people of African origin.

I will admit whole heartedly that I did not have the stomach to walk the castles as bravely as my daughters. Instead, I sat down next to the local fishermen to write this note to share my feelings with you. I asked myself if we are not repeating the normalization of this practice today as I looked at the young woman with a child on her back in front of me washing dishes to serve the fishermen, and as I spoke on the phone with an Alaffia team member whose husband, a teacher, is not being fairly compensated. I again questioned myself that while one cannot equate the suffering of the slave trade with the suffering I currently see, I cannot also engage in unfairness of trade of the goods, services, dignity - dignity of ourselves.

While this may seem "gloom and doom" as they say, it is with the belief that we must look at history, not only to enjoy the upcoming holidays with our families or alone, but also to wonder in a meaningful way if we as people are choosing a better future for the generations on the horizon? And should we be responsible? From Ghana, the town of Elmina, I wish you happy holidays.

Sincerely,

Olowo-n'djo