⁣Last summer my wife, daughter and 3 of our Grandkids while
in Columbia visited San Basilio de Palenque, the first free settlement of
formerly enslaved Afrikans in the Americas who fled a life of enslavement.
Contrary to most history books, Ayati’s (Haiti) independence in 1804, occurred
more than 100 years after Palenque. Palenque is a unique place, famous for its Kmtyw
culture, language (unique blends of Portuguese, English, Twi, Gullah Geechee,
etc.) gastronomy and, of course, its HISTORY. They highly embrace education and
a very low crime rate. Uniquely all children must learn how to box, eliminating
‘beefs’ and other frictions, they are settled at the boxing facility.

They use the equivalent to the Mbongi, it’s called a Ma
kuagro. A communal meeting space that’s both a physical place and a social
institution, where the community gathers to deliberate, educate, provide aid,
resolve conflicts, decision‑making and maintain cultural
continuity.

⁣Our visit to Jamestown was arranged by my daughter’s lifelong friend and her business partner who lives in
Ghana and grew up in Jamestown. Upon arrival we received a friendly Akwaaba greeting. Most importantly we were able to donate a large quantity of children books and puzzles (all Afrikan centered), school material, along with interacting with the children at the Keep Off The Street Foundation.

Photo is hours after arrival in Ghana. Jeff Sr, Lenore, Jeff Jr. (Nike Corporate Exec. VP, Grandson Jeff III college Jr. , Son Jamaal , Entrepeneur/Creative, Daughter . Nicole doctorate in education, returning to our Homelnd (our 3 Granddaughters missed this trip)

It was the trip of a lifetime to connect to the Motherland. It was a true homecoming……………..
The Botanical gardens brought us back to nature teaching us how to take care of ourselves medicinally with nature. It connected us to our ancestors in a holistic way. The walk, the guide, and the wisdom shared fed our souls and demonstrated how we can use the land to live and thrive.