IRETURNED BY:
LAUREL SABUR
Born on an island, only 10,992 km² with a population of 3 million, I grew up with the sense that I was a part of something bigger, however, I did not consciously know what that was. My Jamaican education programmed my mind with stories of being a descendant of slaves. I learned of the horrific journey that my ancestors were forced to take, forging a significant part of my Jamaican history. The movies repeatedly depicting Black people, tortured and packed on ships quickly grew old. Am I only a descendant of “African Slaves”?
I acknowledged my ignorance of African history and decided to explore more about myself as an African descendent. The sovereignty of my soul did not match the story of the gruesome pain that I was taught in school. I ought to be defined by more than a descendant of slaves. Upon landing in Ghana there was a great sense of belonging that I had not experienced before. For the first time I felt grounded - all my senses were heightened - I was more alive than ever. The genuine smile and welcome home from Ghanaians warmed the soul. I had to discover more of this place and the connection I have to this land. I journeyed from the bustling streets of the capital, Accra, hiked the lush mountains of the Volta region, visited slave castle dungeons in Cape Coast and Elmina, to gold mines of the Western Region, to African spiritual shrines and ceremonies. I travelled Ghana using local transportation to save money and to be fully immersed in the culture. I was mesmerized by the hustle and warmth of the people, the music playing on every corner and the cultural similarities to my homeland, Jamaica.
TD MINUTE:
This Black History Month, TD Bank is proud to support over 90 events across Canada that are changing the conversation. Visit td.com/morethanamonth to learn more.
42 MELANISTIC
Hosted by a Queen Mother in Accra, I was deeply empowered by my newfound awareness of the role of women in traditional governing structures. Before colonization, West Africa maintained bordered kingdoms led by Kings and Queens, now called Chiefs
