HER WALK: The Movement and Vision of ONE AFRICA

2008-09-25T22:36:00.000-07:00

ONE AFRICA

Repatriation- restore or return to the country of origin.

The lingering topic regarding Ghanaian citizenship for the African-American returnee is a paradox that is now being evaluated with criticism and possible solution. Ghana, West Africa, is home to over 50 historical slave ports that were governed by European countries such as Protugal, Spain, France, Holland, Britian, British North America and Denmark; all based along the Coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Still, there is a large population of Ghanaians who are not fully aware of the ramification of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. The displacement of African slaves is a historical phenomenon, which is now motivating the Ghanaian government to continue to lead a campaign that will sooner or later extend Ghanaian citizenship to African-American repatriates

In addition, the Ghanaian government is working diligently on helping Ghanaians to embrace aproximately 5,000 and still growing population of African-American residents; and is utilizing the mass media to carry out this mission.
The objective is to educate Ghanaians about the blood ties in hopes to reverse their perception of the Africa Diaspora as being referred to as “obruni”, or “white people.” Ultimately, the goal is to teach Ghanaians to instead receive the African Diaspora by replacing the insult of “obruni” with a more welcoming word such as “Anyemi”, meaning brother of sister in the Ga language. Presently, the Ghanaian officials are considering a bill that would allow dual citizenship to African-Americans who are interested in investing or maintaining a home in Ghana.

Imahkus Njinga, an African-American returnee warns that "returning home ain't easy", but inspires many to believe it is a blessing. In almost two decades of residency in West Africa, Ghana, her feet have journeyed, danced and slipped- only to get back up to create a movement that speaks to the upliftment of her people.

Repatriation is the name of the game and she plays hard. Her beginning, present and future is a continuum of progression toward Affirmative Action within the Cape Coast and Elmina community. As an admired scholar, mother, widow, auntie, sister, and friend, she is respected for her philanthropic contribution to the place she calls her home, Ghana. From the Bronx, New York, this West African region has been embraced and claimed as her Ancestral homeland.

In the spirit of Nia (purpose), Nana Okofo, her life-partner of countless years, is remembered for providing a means to create and develop a very special place, known as One Africa. Located on the Gulf of Guinea (Coast of the Atlantic Ocean), One Africa is experienced by many people from many different parts of the world; and is known as an institution that is constituted in a deep and unique establishment that aims to unite and guide the African Diaspora's mind, body and spirit back home to Africa.

One Africa's mission is clear. Together, they worked, played and prayed to maintain their basic survival as new repatriates of Ghana. Throughout the building process, the construction of One Africa has become a paradise for themselves, their people and others who wish to encounter an authentic adventure through her courtyards, chalets, alternative and traditional food menu, museum and the body of the Gulf of Guinea (the largest backyard swimming pool known to any New Yorker coming up out of the Bronx or for that matter, many other places in the Diaspora).

Ultimately, it is inevitable to avoid being held captive by the stories of "Her Walk". In her book, "RETURNING HOME AIN'T EASY But it sure is A BLESSING", you will learn that you can do it too (return back to your homeland and build with your soul mate and/or community members). Her influence is recognized as phenomenal. The brilliant composition encourages her readers to support the cause, while simultaneously exposing potential problems for returnees to be aware of. Finally, leaving her audience inspired to deem REPATRIATION an option.

Can you guess who this woman is?

The top photograph was taken at her Kingman's Memorial. The Asophen (Warrior Chief) of Iture village, located in Elmina, Ghana. A tragic hit and run accident, on July 3, 2007, put an end to this sixty-eight year old, retired New York City Firefighter's eighteenth year of residency in Ghana, West Africa. We will always keep Nana Okofo Iture Kwaku I Ababio close to our hearts, so that he may continue his work through us, for the people and many nations. Nana was the Director of management at One Africa Guest House and Restaurant in Elmina, Ghana.

The final image is a photo taken of One Africa in her backyard, an extension of the Gulf of Guinea.

Her Story: "Returning Home Ain't Easy, But It Sure Is A Blessing!"

HER WALK: The Movement and Vision of ONE AFRICA

Photo and Article by: Sultanah Corbett