Melanistic Magazine - Vol 5

I RETURNED

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.

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 and Queen mothers. Queen mothers are still responsible for selecting the chief of a village and for all matters of women and children. My time with a Queen Mother allowed me to embrace the leader within myself as a Black woman.

“FOR THE FIRST TIME I FELT GROUNDED ALL MY SENSES WERE HEIGHTENED I WAS MORE ALIVE THAN EVER”

Observing social challenges in certain sectors and wanting to activate my leadership abilities, influenced me to tap into the wealth of this land through the shea butter market. I’m able to enhance the lives of others while connecting North America to the creativity and resilience of Ghanaians. I now have ongoing ties to the continent through a viable business, giving me the joy of investing in Africa.

By travelling to Ghana, I began seeing myself as a descendant of royalty, having a lineage of leadership. It allowed me to have a profound appreciation of myself; knowing that I was not merely a descendant of pain but a product of sovereigns with the strength to move beyond tragedy. This changed my life forever and reflecting on my journey to Ghana, I am reignited, strengthened and reminded of our resilience.

Town of Elmina, ancient slave castle, Ghana