By Maurice Cheetham
In a historic leap across continents, Frederick Douglass Academy VII of Brooklyn, New York, has achieved a milestone in educational and cultural exploration with its inaugural cultural immersion trip to Ghana. This pioneering journey realized through a collaborative effort with African Roots Travel and Birthright Africa, wove a rich tapestry of African heritage into the lives of students, staff, and families, fostering a deeper connection between the diaspora and the motherland.
A journey of discovery and connection
The CEO of African Roots Travel, Maurice Cheetham captured the essence of this historic voyage in his remarks; “Creating a bond with the motherland and their peers in Ghana is at the heart of what we do. This lasting connection is what it’s all about. This underscores the core mission of this transformative journey, made possible through our dedicated partnership, i.e. African Roots Travel and Birthright Africa.”
Embracing the Legacy at Assin Mansoe
One of the trip’s most unforgettable moments was a visit to Assin Mansoe, a site of historical significance tied to the transatlantic slave trade. At the Assin Mansoe Slave Last Bath, students stood in solemn reflection, honoring their ancestors who once faced unimaginable suffering. The act of leaving a commemorative wreath at this site was a powerful tribute, linking the past with the present and emphasizing the importance of remembrance.
A reverent walk through Cape Coast Slave Dungeon
The students’ journey continued with a deeply moving tour of the Cape Coast Slave Dungeon. As they walked through the cramped, dark cells and stood at the infamous “Door of No Return,” the weight of their ancestors’ plight became vividly apparent. This experience was not just a lesson in history but a reverent acknowledgment of the resilience and strength of those who endured the unimaginable.
Experiencing Ghanaian Education and Culture
A key highlight of the trip was the day spent at Odogonnor Senior High School in Accra, part of the Art Cares Foundation School for a Day program. Here, Frederick Douglass Academy VII students engaged in Ghanaian academic and cultural life, learning native languages and participating in traditional music, dance, and drama. The exchange underscored the universal nature of education and youth, fostering cross-cultural connections that transcended geographical boundaries.
A musical Encounter and Cultural Exchange: Experiencing Afrobeat Fusion and Volunteering
Music played a pivotal role in this cultural exchange. At Prince Media Studio in Accra, students collaborated with renowned Ghanaian music producers David Bolton and DJ Fortune to create their own Afrobeat tracks. This creative endeavor highlighted the Brooklyn and Accra influences blend, resulting in a unique musical fusion. When asked about her experience during the Afrobeats Experience, Ms. Revlyn Phillips commented “This was an amazing experience. Our students pushed themselves, released their fears, and embraced the task”.
The students also dedicated time to service, visiting the Jack and Jill Brooklyn STEM Center in Mamprobi Accra. Engaging in an interactive STEM activity, they collaborated with local students to build bamboo Bluetooth speakers, showcasing teamwork and innovation. Principal Tamika Matheson furthered the impact by donating two desktop PCs to the Africa STEM Academy, enhancing the educational resources available to students in Mamprobi.
Embracing Ghanaian family traditions
The culmination of the trip was Ghana Family Day, held in the Mamprobi Neighborhood of Ga Mashie, Accra. Students were welcomed into local families’ homes, where they learned about Ga history, family life, and traditional naming ceremonies. Sharing a traditional West African meal of Banku, Mackerel Fish, Pepper Stew, and Wakye, students forged lasting bonds with their host families, bridging continents and generations through shared experiences.
Gail Muray, Fredrick Douglass assistant principal stated “We felt truly welcomed from the moment we entered the family compound. The opening dance, the Cerasee wreath, and the feast were prepared to welcome us home.
A legacy of connection and learning
Reflecting on the journey’s impact, Maurice Cheetham aptly remarked, “It’s a very special honor to curate a homecoming for these scholars. The experiences they’ve had here in Ghana will be shared for generations to come.” The collaboration between Frederick Douglass Academy VII, African Roots Travel, and Birthright Africa has set a new benchmark for cultural immersion, demonstrating the profound power of educational travel to enrich lives and cultivate a deep sense of identity.
As these young scholars return to Brooklyn, they carry with them a renewed sense of heritage and a lasting connection to Ghana. This inaugural cultural immersion trip has not only deepened their understanding of their roots but also empowered them with lessons and memories that will resonate for years to come. For African Americans considering a similar voyage, the story of Frederick Douglass Academy VII is a compelling testament to the transformative power of cultural exploration and the profound connections that awaits in the heart of Africa.
The cultural odyssey, orchestrated by Travel Coordinator of The Brownsville Abroad Travel Program Bijourn Jordan, and Fredrick Douglass Academy VII Principal Tamika Mathison, was more than a mere field trip; it was an experience carefully planned over months. The nine-day, eight-night journey profoundly shifted the students’ perspectives on their ancestral heritage, highlighting Ghana’s rich traditions and vibrant culture beyond its historical narratives.
Principal Matheson remarked succinctly, “African Roots Travel truly creates a unique homecoming experience for each traveler. The team meticulously curated unforgettable moments from arrival to departure. When asked how my vacation there was, there is only one word to describe it: priceless.”
