I'm Back (Like 3 days ago)

The last three days have felt like 6 months. I'm biz-ackk! I had the best time in Ghana. I wish I were still there or was able to bottle up all the good moments/air/water/sand/red clay.

The other night I was talking about my experiences at the Elmina Slave Castle, and would you believe it... I started to cry (again). I'm still so overwhelmed with my experiences at that particular slave castle. I feel compelled to share with you all one of the lessons I learned while in Ghana: "Life Goes On". Yup. The biggest cliche. While I was bawling my eyes out, doubled over in grief at the castle in Elmina, I went to the top of the castle, looked out into the Atlantic and was struck by its beauty. The juxtaposition of beauty and pain/sorrow and the vastness of the ocean was startling. I saw men playing soccer on the beach, boats being made, folks fishing on the Atlantic. Once I turned around and faced my group, looked into their tear-filled faces, looked and fully understood that we have all been touched by slavery, I said "life goes on". Someone somewhere in my lineage survived slavery in the Caribbean and South America. Each and every one of us had a someone who survived thus allowing us to live.

It was deep. I'm not going to lie. Being comforted by strangers was foreign to me... but I allowed it and am better for it. I hope I was as comforting to those who needed it.

All in all, I was a hot caca mess at the Elmina Slave Castle but I wouldn't trade that experience with those people for anything (less than 7 million bucks).

Peace


Oh and the pics are on facebook. Once I figure out how to link blogger with those pics, they will be posted here.

Three Weeks To Go

I can't believe time has flown so quickly. "It was all a dream..." 6 months ago. I'm a little over 3 weeks away from my trip to Ghana. So much has happened and there is so much left to do.

Today, I had my yellow fever vaccination. It was my first vaccination of my adult life. I'm seriously debating getting the anti-malaria pills. I was born with sickle cell trait SO that should protect me but...what if I don't actually have the trait and have been under some delusion of malaria safety. But I keep having dreams that I have forgotten something. I had a dream that I forgot to get the vaccination or that I left my passport home. I need to start organizing my life a bit better so that I can at least stop having these nightmares that plague on my lack of preparation.

Wow, three weeks... This is kinda heavy for me. I'm going to be in Elmina Slave Castle. I'm going to be where hundreds of thousands of people passed through. That's some heavy realization. As the days get closer to the trip date, I feel more and more emotional. My ancestors left Africa in chains, forced to endure the Middle Passage, continual trade, rape, killing... And some how survived. Here I am, making the trip back to the continent, in freedom with a kindle, ipod, and on a plane.

I feel as though I'm prepared physically. I got my vaccination, I know what I want to pack, I know how much money I'll be carrying, etc. But emotionally, I think I'll be a mess.

As always, I feel extremely blessed to have all of your support in reading, writing me on FB and twitter about the trip, helping with funding, and just general good wishes toward this experience. It means a lot to have this kind of support.

Peace,
the black star pilgrim J

Orientation and updates

I know I haven't updated in a while-- as usual things have been busy.

The MoCADA is hosting an orientation today in Ft. Greene. Here's a synopsis of what we'll do (incl. the garden party):

"...At this orientation, we will be advising you on how to go about getting your necessary visa and immunizations. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to inquire about travel questions you may have. As a part of the evening, Dr. Leonard Jeffries as well as Professor Smalls, two incredible professors who specialize in Africana Studies, will speak to the group about their extensive knowledge in Ghanaian culture and history. The orientation will begin at 6 p.m. Afterward, we will host a garden party where guest can experience Ghanian food and music. The Garden Party, which will begin at 8 p.m. is open to the public."

I'm geeked! I know about the visa and immunizations but I'd love to speak with Professor Jeffries and Smalls about their experiences, what to expect. I'm more excited about meeting other Black Star Pilgrims.

I'm all smiles.

Many Thanks!!

As you all know, I like to appreciate my friends who donate for me to go to Ghana. On July 12, I have to make my final payment to go! As you also know, I'm super excited for the opportunity and thankful to all my friends who support this. So let's start:

To my friend Sweet Goodness, thank you for your contribution. Through our many gchat conversations about the trip, I know you're just as excited for me. Who would have known that we'd stay in touch for this long? We've grown from our days of saying "EWWW" to each other in Whitney Hall (Shout out to Dickinson Community!!!). I'm so proud of your accomplishments and happy to call you my friend.


To my favorite big head, 1. I love you. I always have. You have such a good heart. You've always been warm person. I've known you since HS so you know I'm authority on this. 2. You're a Cancer and I'm an Aries. Some how we've made that work out well for us. Thank you for supporting me in more ways than just this trip. You know how you've helped me and I'm eternally grateful. One day, I'll repay you for it all.

For all my other supporters, J got nothin' but love for ya!

One more thing...

If you still want to donate, there is still some time left!!!! I'm taking down the PayPal on July 1st (yup next week) because the time has come for me to pay up.... If you want to donate, click the link on your right by July 1st, 2011!! ---->

Peace,
J

Oh and Happy Father's Day to my Dad!

Time is ticking...

Time is FLYING by! A few months ago, I created this blog to keep my friends and family in the loop as I prepare for my trip to Ghana, to fundraise (I'm eternally grateful to all), and to get my head together.

As much as I'm excited about going, I'm a little anxious. Of course I'm anxious about funding the trip, but I'm even more anxious about the days before departure. As you know, this will be my first time leaving the continent. Yes, that's a huge step for me. But as I spoke to my grandfather on Sunday (Father's Day), I realized I am going to be the first one in my family (that we know of) to actually go to Africa. My family has traveled the world looking for a new home, for work, and for leisure... but no one has ever gone to the continent. My grandmother worked in Russia for a while. My dad visited Germany. My mother loves Mexico. My great grandfather was born in Barbados and moved to Guyana. And almost everyone has emigrated to the United States and Canada... but Africa has remained elusive.

I'm actually really excited to share the news of my trip, to share pictures, and stories. I'm doing something that has yet to be done in my family. I don't mean to brag, but I'm a trailblazer in my own right.

Trivial List of things I need to Get before going:

• sleeping aid for the plane ride
• Gilmore Girls Season 3 and 4
• New digital camera
• More books for my kindle
• 2 pairs of converses

Important list:

• Visa
• Shots/Check-Up
• MONEY
• Hugs from my fam!

Ghana... Guyana... I guess it's the same

A few years ago I was in Ithaca, NY at a local gemologist store. I was having a heated discussion with my then- significant other. When I mean heated, I actually mean ridiculous. He and I used to go back and forth about who's heritage is cooler- Jamaicans (his) or Guyanese (mine). That conversation was years old and was just one of the things we joked about when bored. No complaints about Ithaca but we were bored.

The gemologist overheard us and decided to join in. My then-S/O asked him, "what valuable gems can one find in Guyana?" The gemologist smiled at him and said, "I think you mean Ghhhaaaaa-na (with emphasis)." S/O and I looked at him... looked at each other. S/O laughs at me while I explain Guyana is small country in South America with a rich gold supply whereas Ghana is a country in West Africa. The gemologist admitted his failings and backed away.

Recently, I told someone I was going to Ghana and was super geeked. Do you know what they said to me? "Isn't your family FROM Ghana? Whatchu need to go back for?" To that I laughed out loud. A guffaw... My family is from Guyana... South America, y'all!

THIS HAPPENS TO ME ALL THE TIME. I imagine it will only intensify after I've actually been to Ghana and not Guyana.

I plan to go to Guyana in Dec 2012 (better late than never) (and hopefully before the 12/21.. i kid!)

Again, thanks for all of your help. I'm over $400 towards the ultimate goal. Send to friends. Send to family.

Send me to Ghana!

Speaking of Mommy and Me...

Here's a pic of my mother and I at Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc Eta Nu Sigma Brooklyn-Queens Alumnae Chapter's Annual Golden Mother's Day Scholarship Jazz Brunch (phew! Long title).

I love my mother and was so happy to share this experience with her.

Special Offer: Mommy and Me

Hi Y'all, You know I've been working hard on the fundraising tip. Thanks to your support, forwards, and good juju, I have raised over $400 for my trip. [Insert Applause!!!] Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. The support from you all has been outstanding. I still have a ways to go so please keep helping me any way you can.

SPECIAL FUNDER SPOTLIGHT:
My lovely Soror Meredith Chase-Mitchell is an author, teacher, educational advocate and philanthropist. Her recent book "Mommy And Me" highlights the tenderness, love and admiration shared by daughters and mothers. With illustration by Geronna Lewis-Lyte, this story comes alive. Soror Chase-Mitchell dedicates her book to elementary aged girls in urban communities.

With your purchase of "Mommy and Me", Meredith Chase-Mitchell will donate 10% of her proceeds to my trip to Ghana. I told you she was a philanthropist. You'll receive the advanced copy of the book AND helping this pilgrim.

Share the gift of "Mommy and Me" with a special little girl in your life.

Peace,

J

Mommy and Me

Again... thank you!!!

Again, I have to thank my dreamboat 20-10 for being such a strong supporter. I'm lucky to have you as my friend. I value your support and yea, I'm girling out. You're so nice.

Brief Visuals of Where I'm going...

Picture Ghana's historical sites...

Elmina Castle: The Door of No Return


Now, picture me... there.

Thanks for your support and donations.

Still Fundraising... Still hoping

Hi y'all,

It's been a busy couple of weeks! It seems as if I'm not working, I'm fundraising, attending fundraisers, and going to the gym. Oh, yes. That's right. I'm going to the gym and working out. It just hit me that I'm not 20 any more and I'm getting older (much older) not younger. So off to the gym I go. 4 times a week. And, I actually look forward to it.

But back to fundraising. On April 30th, Achieving Leadership's Purpose is hosting its Leadership Benefit Breakfast. The Guest Speaker is Maurice Coleman. Advanced tix are $50. At the door is $65. The ALP students will be speaking and will be in attendance at this event. So you'll know I'll be there. It's 9 am at Chocolat. Harlem People, come out!

Chocolat Restuarant & Lounge

2217-23 Frederick Douglass Boulevard @120th Street

Here's some information on the Guest Speaker, Maurice Coleman:

Mr. Coleman was a DeWitt Wallace Scholar at Noble and Greenough Prep School in Dedham, Massachusetts where he served as Dean of Students and Multicultural Affairs, and taught U.S. History, Economics, African-American History and Literature. While at Nobles, he also served as the Executive Director of the Math and Science Upward Bound Program.

Throughout his career, Mr. Coleman has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognition including: The Crain’s New York Business 40 under 40 Rising Stars Award, the Network Journal 40 under 40 Black Achievement Award, The Boston Chamber of Commerce Ten Outstanding Young Leaders (TOYL) Award, The Boston YMCA Achievers in Industry Award, The Boston Herald 40 under 40 Most Influential Award, the Bank of America Spirit of Excellence Award, the Urban Financial Services Coalition Executive of the Year Award, the West Harlem Group Assistance Community Service Bankers Award and the Bridge Street Development Corporation Banker of the Year Award.

Currently, Maurice Coleman is a Senior Vice President and Senior Client Manager for the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global Commercial Real Estate Group focused on Community Development Banking (CDB). CDB specializes in providing debt and tax credit equity to finance affordable housing, charter schools as well as commercial and retail development nationally.

Where I am going... and another thank you!!

Again, thank you for coming to this blog page, taking your time away from Facebook, Netflix, your email, and all the other things you do. It's much appreciated.

On October 13th, I'll arrive in Accra, Ghana. My first time leaving North America... and I'll be going to Ghana. I get excited just thinking about it. I have to whisper "I'm going to Ghana... I'm really going to Ghana." Words and blessings from my Ghanian friends has been amazing. They are so supportive and share my excitement. They throw out "Must See" "Must Experience" locations and venues. My friends, I hope I can do it all. Feel free to make some more suggestions. I'm accessible through email @ BlackStarPilgrim@gmail.com

This trip is so comprehensive. Most of the places my friends recommended are on the itinerary: Kwame Nkrumah's Mausoleum, the W.E.B. Du Bois Center, Ghana's National Museum, and Elmina Castle.

If you don't know about Elmina Castle...I'll give you a brief discussion. Africa's West Coast was home to castles-- reminants of European dominance. In the late 17th century, these castles, like Elmina, were used as part of the slave trade. I need to go there. I'll never ever recreate the experience of the ancestors last view of home. For reasons I can't express through written word (a terrible state for a blogger), this experience of being in the space of last embarkation is beyond meaningful. Hundreds of thousands of slaves from Central and West Africa passed through Elmina's Door of No Return. I can't imagine the anguish, anxiety, fear...

But, I'll be there. I'll be a descendant returning to the Door of No Return. I just had a "Redemption Song" moment...

Old pirates, yes, they rob / Sold I to the merchant ships/ Minutes after they took I/ From the bottomless pit/ But my hand was made strong/ By the hand of the almighty/ We forward in this generation/ Triumphantly

Not to be super transcendental or abstract or even superstitious, but this trip feels like it will be a process of patching the gaps... Again, I wish I could explain. But, you feel me.

Thank you!!!
On Friday night, I received an email from PayPal telling that my Uncle Paul (on my mom's side) just donated money to my trip. I haven't spoken to my uncle in a few months and before that it had been a long time. So his donation just touches me. I feel so very blessed to know my family supports my trip.

THANKS!!

I've just received another kind donation from a good friend. This brings my count up to 218 dollars!

I'm so thankful that my friends are so giving. So here's my heartfelt shoutout:

Thank you, Mama (not my mother) :-). When you told me you donated I just felt so overwhelmed. I know you don't have a lot to give and to know that you're giving to me is so precious. I appreciate everything you've done for me: helping me move (twice); supporting me; listening to me laugh, cry, and talk incessantly like the chatterbox I am; helping me finish "that damned masters"; and more importantly being my friend. I hold every memory with you very close especially of Thursday dinners which became every-night-except-for-Sunday-night dinners. Thank you, thank you. Thank you. I love you!

About me (What I do)

Again, thanks to all who have been supporting this effort both financially and emotionally.

On Sunday, March 20th, Achieving Leadership's Purpose, Inc. and the Parents/Guardians of Group 19 hosted a fundraiser of their own. The event was so epic and amazing. We had about 200 audience members. The event featured talent by the students, modeling done by students. parents, and professional models. I mean fierce!!!! I was busy working but everyone had a great time. My soror Tanesha and my friend Imnet came to support. Shout out to them!!!

I've been a Program Coordinator with ALP for about 8 months now. ALP is a rigorous leadership development program that works with youth of the African Diaspora to encourage cultural education and civic engagement.

So, I may have told y'all that I received my MA in 19th Century Black History focusing on slavery. If not, now I just told you. Now that you know what I received my MA in, you're thinking "what was she planning on doing with that?" Trust me, everyone is wondering. The answer is "nothing". I really love the knowledge and the field. I initially planned to get my PhD but quickly learned that archive-living wasn't for me. I enjoy working with folks, not just writing about Race and Place in Binghamton in 1855 and 1865 (but doesn't that just sound interesting?...no? Oh! Well, I like it.)

So all that to say that I actually found an organization where I can put my knowledge of Black history to use. The last 8 months with ALP have been both amazing and challenging. I'm a big geek-- I love this job. A friend of mine called me a Cultural Black Nationalist. I accept that title. I really don't think leadership for people of color can be separated from knowledge of our history. Like Marcus Garvey's quote to the right: "A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots." I strongly stand behind acquiring cultural knowledge in order to grow...

...but, though I hate to admit it, book knowledge isn't enough. For a while, I figured that the stuff I can cite and spout off the top of my head was good enough. We're constantly problematizing the constructs and reading big books. I think, for me, it's time to put that stuff to work. My experiences in Ghana will be chronicled and discussed with my students. This, I'm hoping, will encourage more action amongst other things.

Check out the students accomplishments on facebook

More thanks and praise. Please keep the momentum going.

Both yesterday and today, I received contributions to my trip. I feel so blessed and thankful to the following folks for opening not only their pockets but their hearts to me. They are continuous sources of support and this post is for them.


A special thanks for my mentor. I put out the call, and you responded. Like you helped me out as a confused Junior, you continue to offer your time to the development of other confused Black pseudo-scholars. I am so appreciative of the multitude of ways you are involved in my professional and educational growth. Thank you for the donation.


My summer-time bestie! We have only just begun to become friends and you stunned me with your donation. I'm still so stunned but I am absolutely thankful that you have come into my life. These written words aren't enough. Next time I see you, I'll give you hugs and wings!!! Thank you.


Thanks to you all. If you'd like to donate, please click the links to the right and at the bottom of the page.

Peace,
J- The Black Star Pilgrim

First and Second Funder Thank You!!

Hi! I'm very pleased to say that I have received my first and second funding contributions.


I'd like to take this opportunity to offer a deep heart felt thanks to both who shall remain relatively "anonymous":


Thank you, Dreamboat. I said my first dollar will be dedicated to you for helping me with the font/set-up/background/sans-serif/content of this blog. Thanks to you it's 65% better than what it started and will continue to grow from your feedback and your contribution to my trip. It's really nice to know that you support me in so many different; albeit, odd ways. *heart for real*


Thanks to my strongest contributor. You've been there for everything. Even when I've been down, uncertain, overambitious, underambitious, and a brat, you've always been a support. I remember telling you about this trip and you were so enthusiastic about it. Though it's not a trip that you'll be on, you've taken the time to share this with your friends and colleagues thus making you a part of this experience as every other I've ever had. I look forward to our daily/nightly calls. I love you.


Thanks to everyone who is viewing this site!! I so appreciate it. Your contributions will be acknowledged. I'm growing more and more excited about this trip!

Blessings,
J- The Black Star Pilgrim

The Black Star Pilgrimage

Thanks for coming to my page.


In October 2011, I'll be taking a cultural, educational trip to Ghana, West Africa. So I set up this blog page for two reasons: ask for your support (emotional and financial) and to tell you about the journey I'm about to embark on.


But first a little about me...I'm the kind of girl who will talk to you for hours about 19th century slavery in the US and the Caribbean. I love talking about historical and contemporary issues in the Black community and have dedicated a good amount of my adult life in support of furthering my knowledge and working with teens to increase their knowledge. I currently work for Achieving Leadership's Purpose, Inc. as a Program Coordinator. ALP is a non-profit dedicated to developing leadership, civic responsibility, and increasing cultural education in youth of the African Diaspora through an intensive two-year enrichment program. I'm a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. I'm a pseudo-scholar and a small-scale nerd (call me Nerdy Nelly)


So, I've never been outside of North America. Shocking, yes! Especially considering my ethnic background. My family is from Guyana, a not so small country in South America. I grew up on things Guyanese including pepperpot, sorrel, souse, soca, calypso, and light amounts of reggae. A few years ago, I had a slim opportunity to go to Ghana on a study abroad opportunity- my schedule didn't make it easy so the opportunity passed me by.


Finally, In January 2011, I found out about this cultural trip to Ghana sponsored by the Museum of Contemporary African Diaspora Art and MVMT. With so many opportunities laid to rest in my past, I have to make this trip happen.


You're probably wondering why you should give your time (to read) and money (to donate) for this trip. The truth is that for me this trip isn't a vacation but an opportunity to make the pilgrimage home. No, it's not my home in Brooklyn or Queens or even Guyana, but my first place of origin. This trip serves as not only a cultural experience but an educational one which I intend to share with the students I work with. The program has focused on the term "Sankofa" which is West African in origin. If you're not familiar with sankofa it literally means it is not taboo to turn back and fetch what you forgot". Looking back as a means to move forward. As a Black woman deeply invested in the affairs of my folk, this trip to Ghana will weave together the strands of my history with the histories of my students, family, and even you.


Symbolized by the bird flying forward with it's head facing back, Black folk embody the sankofa bird. I'm embarking on an opportunity unknown to anyone in my family.


So with that, by July 1st, my goal is to fund-raise $2400 toward my trip which I warmly call "The Black Star Pilgrimage". This fee includes: flight, lodging, meals, and cultural events.

As the trip gets closer and closer, I will be updating this blog with more information about the trip, my own adventures in fundraising, and thanking you- the funders.