A perspective on Ghana and what President Obama's trip meant

[Empowerer]

I've spent time in Ghana and have always been impressed and, in fact, moved, by the Ghanaian people's knowledge of and affection for the United States.

I have had many conversations with people there - from government ministers to shopkeepers - who were enormously well-informed about America, our government and our people. For example, during the run-up to the Iraq War, I was peppered with questions by a high-level government official who wanted to know my views about our position on Iraq and was particularly curious about George Bush, Condolleezza Rice and Colin Powell.

I felt slightly embarrassed by his depth of knowledge about our government and officials since I barely knew their president's name, much less details about the cabinet and their policies.

The Ghanaians were always honored and excited about visits by American presidents, whom they always referred to as "His Excellency." They proudly prepared for state visits and swelled with pride and happiness during their visits, pulling out all the stops to offer the utmost hospitality to their American guests. Their affection for the American president was heartfelt and genuine.

So I can only imagine what it meant to Ghanaians to have "His Excellency" be a black man, black man with a wife and daughters who could very well have Ghanaian blood running through them.

And to have "His Excellency" tell the world that Africa is strong enough, beautiful enough, ingenius enough to rise to the occasion and control its destiny must be a powerful and empowering moment.

Today was very historic and exciting on so many levels, but seeing it unfold in Ghana, a country I've come to love, warmed my soul more beyond words.

[lamp_shade]

1. More goosebumps. You write beautifully, Empowerer. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[depakid]

2. K & R

I felt slightly embarrassed by his depth of knowledge about our government and officials since I barely knew their president's name, much less details about the cabinet and their policies.

I've found this sort of deal to be true in a number of countries- and not just by government officials or university educated folks.

[Number23]

3. You have become one of a very small handful of posters that I CONSISTENTLY run to read

Your OP's are fantastic. Kicked and happily rec'd.

Empowerer, we'd love to have your input and insight in AAIG. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=258 You would be a truly welcome addition to our little group here.

ETA: Your comment So I can only imagine what it meant to Ghanaians to have "His Excellency" be a black man, black man with a wife and daughters who could very well have Ghanaian blood running through them.

is all too true. One of the most atrocious legacies of slavery is that many Americans of African descent have no earthly idea where our ancestors come from. So it is entirely possible that Michelle could have Ghanaian blood flowing through her veins.

I think their decision to bestow the honorary title of Queen to her in a ceremony there is an acknowledgement of their history, our history and a hearty appreciation for the many achievements of black Americans in this country.

[Nedsdag]

6. I met a Ghanaian doctor in Paris two years ago.

He asked my mother and me what was our tribe? Sadly, we couldn't answer. I know more about my mother's ancestry (Jamaican and European) than the rest of my African descendents.

[Number23]

7. And it's something that just about all of us have to live with too

And with little chance of finding answers to our lineage and heritage.

In AAIG (the African American forum here) we had an interesting discussion on this a few months ago. One member, kwassa, referenced a series of stories that PBS was doing investigating the African history of some famous black Americans.

The link is here. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=258&topic_id=5567#5575 I saw about two of the PBS video specials before I had to shut it down. Couldn't see through the tears. :)

[Fire1]

4. I 'second' that invitation. It was an historic event, indeed. n/t

[Fire1]

5. I 'second' that invitation. It was an historic event, indeed. n/t

[Uzybone]

8. another home run Empowerer, great post

[Cha]

9. I'm so happy for

you..I know my own heart and soul are just beaming at the connection and impression the Obamas have made in Ghana that are highlighted through his words and the beautiful pics we have access to on DU! :)