Visiting Jopat Academy of Success in Ghana

This school is called Jopat Academy of Success. It is 2 years old and in its beginning stages of building. Josephine Agbenozan (Head Teacher and Owner) is building this school piece by piece. She started off last year with one classroom built and 10 kids. Now through donations and other supports has managed to erect two more buildings and enroll over 50 kids. Often she has to teach children month by month without pay due to economic issues with some of the parents not being able to afford it. Her heart goes out to these children and their families through her personal donations and gifts to the community there. I had a good time teaching a small writing lesson with her kids and listened to them sing songs and role play key family and community positions. Through my organization, Follow the Leader Foundation (FTL) and the University of San Diego, our aim is to continue to support schools and kids abroad from instructional methods and technology to financial support. Check out some of the cool videos her kids did for me.

Experiences from the 50's in Ghana

Being in Africa not only blew us away but it was the stories that was told by elders.  Many of us as born Black Americans couldn't fathom the types of experiences and history from an African perspective that were in front of us at this time.  Nana Apaa painted just a brief picture of what took place in Ghana as they were getting ready to be the 

FIRST African country to gain it's Independence from the original colonial masters, the Europeans.  He had first hand knowledge and experience of these events.  He tells us his story while we are in awe.  My colleague and best friend Jennifer White gives sincere gifts as he explains his story. There will be a part two to the rest of his story in 2009.

The Slave Castles

What an experience!  Never before would i think the mere sight of a building would bring such erie feelings to my mind.  Tracing through the past of my ancestors being traded to the Spanish, Europeans and Early Americans i found solace in seeing their quarters in the slave castles of old.  Many of us could not speak for some moments as we imagined clearly the pains and fright that came with being abducted and separated from your family.  Brought into a dark and cold dungeon for the purposes of global labor commerce. 

My first Visit to Ghana

I first arrived in Ghana in July 28th 2007.  Landing in the capital of Accra was an experience to talk about.  Never before had i been to an African country.  Near the airport is a restaurant across the street where you can have a cold Star Beer and listen to local music played live.  Also the food was great too.  Fowl and Joloff rice were some of the main dishes with fries known as chips to some.  My most memorable experience was visiting the slave castles along the Cape Coast of Ghana.  A small group of us went to the city of Apam where i met Chief Nana Apaa.  He told us many stories of old and allowed some of us to visit a small slave castle that is in his city.  He says that this is the slave castle that transported Africans directly to the United States.  We were all amazed!