Traveling to Ghana for the first time was an experience that stirred something deep inside me. As a Black woman, this journey felt like a homecoming—like I was finally stepping into a place that had always been a part of me, even if I had never physically been there before. I was on a mission to connect with my roots, my heritage, and my history. It wasn’t just a trip; it was a celebration of Black girl magic and the strength that runs through our veins. This trip was part of Ghana’s
Beyond the Return initiative, a cultural journey that invites us to rediscover the land of our ancestors, and let me tell you—Ghana welcomed me with open arms.
One of the most profound moments of my trip was participating in a naming ceremony. Imagine this: the drums are beating, the air is filled with joy, and the elders are gathered to give me a name that ties me to the very land I stand on. It was a celebration that honored my existence, my ancestors, and my place in history. The ceremony was beautiful, full of color, music, and love. I was surrounded by women who looked like me—strong, proud, and radiant. As they called my name, I felt something shift inside of me, like I was finally being recognized as part of this vast and powerful lineage.
My name wasn’t just a title; it was a bridge connecting me to those who came before me and those who will come after me. The energy in the space was nothing short of magical. I felt empowered, seen, and heard in a way that only a true
homecoming could provide. It wasn’t just about the name, but about the act of claiming my place in this magnificent tapestry of Blackness.
Next, I made my way to Kakum National Park, where I walked the famous canopy bridges. Standing high above the lush rainforest, I felt both small and invincible at the same time. The world beneath me was alive, and as I swayed gently with the wind, I felt like I was walking with ancestors who had crossed this land before me. The bridges themselves felt like a metaphor—an invitation to step outside of myself and see the world from a new perspective.
It was a moment of empowerment, like a full circle of ancestral strength and freedom. Looking out over the endless trees, it was hard not to feel that deep connection to the earth and to the legacy of survival, resilience, and beauty that runs through my blood. This was Black girl magic in its purest form—standing tall in the midst of nature, proud of the woman I am and the history that shaped me.
Visiting the slave castles, particularly Cape Coast and Elmina, was an emotional journey—one that stayed with me long after I left. Walking through the dark, damp corridors of the dungeons, I felt the weight of history pressing down on me. The air was thick with the stories of our ancestors who endured unimaginable pain. I stood in the Door of No Return, where many were forced to step onto ships bound for a foreign land, not knowing if they would ever see home again.
But as I stood there, something incredible happened: I didn’t just feel sorrow; I felt strength. I felt the unbreakable spirit of those who came before me, whose endurance and resilience allowed me to stand here today, free. I felt the power of Black girl magic stretching through time, from those ancestors to me, and to every woman who came after. The castles didn’t just tell a story of suffering; they told a story of survival. I left with a deep sense of pride, knowing that I carry the legacy of those who survived and thrived, no matter the obstacles.
My journey continued to the Ashanti Region, where I immersed myself in the rich cultural history of the Ashanti people. I visited Kumasi, where the Ashanti Kingdom once ruled, and marveled at the intricate history that has been preserved for centuries. From the royal palace to the markets full of vibrant kente cloths and beads, the energy was alive with stories of kings, queens, and warriors. The Ashanti are a people of unmatched pride and strength, and it was humbling to walk through a land so steeped in regal history.
I learned about the Golden Stool, a sacred symbol of the Ashanti Kingdom, and felt a sense of awe at the profound spiritual connection the Ashanti have with their ancestors. The Ashanti people hold their culture close to their hearts, and walking through their world felt like I was stepping into a living piece of history. It was a place where Black girl magic wasn’t just celebrated—it was honored, passed down through generations, and woven into every fabric of the culture.
The whole trip felt like a journey of rediscovery. Ghana, with its rich history and vibrant culture, was the perfect backdrop for a Black woman to reconnect with herself, her past, and the legacy of strength that flows through her. It was a reminder that we, as Black women, are the living embodiment of magic—of survival, of thriving against all odds, of standing tall in the face of adversity. Ghana didn’t just teach me about my history; it helped me see how my own personal story is part of a much larger, much more powerful narrative.
As I left, I carried the spirit of Ghana with me—its energy, its history, and the knowledge that I am part of something so much bigger than myself. Ghana wasn’t just a destination; it was an awakening. And as a Black woman, I can’t help but feel like I am walking in the footsteps of queens, warriors, and ancestors whose strength continues to guide me every day. Black girl magic? It’s real. It’s powerful. And it lives on in us all.
Ready to expand your horizons? Join us as we explore the globe together! Our trips are open to all including solo, singles, couples, and even group travelers. Check out our website to view our upcoming trip to Ghana Tours or view many of our other upcoming destinations to other regions around the world group trips. Our Travel Group is like no other. Join us and experience the best in group travel.
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