In a powerful act of remembrance and reconciliation, descendants of enslaved Africans have embarked on a poignant pilgrimage to Northern Ghana, retracing the harrowing journeys of their ancestors who were forcibly taken during the transatlantic slave trade. This emotional homecoming, which began under the banner of the Year of Return in 2019, has now gained renewed urgency as individuals from the Caribbean, including Shamin from Trinidad and John from New York, seek to connect with their roots and honor the legacy of their forebears.

More than 12 million Africans were kidnapped and shipped to the Americas, with over 2 million perishing during the brutal crossings. Northern Ghana, particularly the town of Salaga, was a focal point of this inhumane trade, where captives were sold into slavery and forced to march in chains. Today, the descendants of these enslaved individuals are reclaiming their history, confronting the painful past that has long divided families and communities.

Shamin expressed the overwhelming significance of this journey, stating, “I’m a witness of what occurred. I accept. I understand. And I’m not going to be silent.” As they visit sites like the historic slave wells and the modest museum in Salaga, they are not only uncovering their ancestry but also acknowledging the scars left by centuries of oppression.

For many, DNA analysis has confirmed deep African roots, igniting a profound sense of identity and belonging. Corin Lewis shared, “It proved that we were 78% African… this was home.” This pilgrimage is more than a journey; it is a reclamation of heritage, a step towards healing, and a powerful reminder that the fight for recognition and justice continues.

As these descendants stand at the crossroads of history, their return is a clarion call to the world, emphasizing that they are not just remnants of a painful past but a vibrant community ready to embrace their rightful place in history. The door that once symbolized loss is now a gateway to restoration and unity.