(ACCRAH, GHANA – April 1, 2025) – I had the incredible honor of visiting the continent of Africa for the very first time. As someone who’s traveled extensively—exploring countries and cultures across the globe—I realized that the opportunity, and quite honestly, the responsibility, to walk the lands of the Motherland could no longer be delayed. Africa, the ancestral home of people of African descent—and the cradle of civilization itself—was calling.

I landed in Ghana, a vibrant nation in West Africa, with a heart full of excitement and curiosity. I was in a true “Chocolate City,” surrounded by a cultural, historical, and ancestral richness I couldn’t wait to explore. And let me tell you—Ghana did not disappoint.

From visiting powerful landmarks like the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, the W.E.B. DuBois Memorial Centre, the haunting Elmina Slave Dungeon, and the sacred River of Last Bath, to experiencing Ghana’s unmatched hospitality and cuisine at places like Mabel’s Table and Afrikiko Restaurant, every moment was layered with meaning.

We immersed ourselves in the culture, visiting an elementary-middle school and a boarding high school (which is standard in Ghana), dancing the night away with locals at an outdoor music venue, and even joining in on a cultural dance performance at one of the four stunning hotels we temporarily called home.

This trip was unlike any international excursion I’ve ever taken—and here’s why: It was the truest Chocolate City I’ve ever experienced: Black people in every space, from government to hospitality to entrepreneurship, moving with purpose and pride.

Ghana’s beauty, richness, and vibrancy are vastly understated and need to be witnessed firsthand. For the first time, I saw a countrywide effort to use cooperative economics to uplift its people—a collective mindset I deeply admired.

I learned about the central role of family in every major life decision—childcare, business start-ups, real estate, and even choosing a spouse. Family is the advisor, investor, and executor. I came face to face with the emotional toll capitalism has taken on me—mentally, emotionally, and socially.

Most profoundly, I was reminded of my ancestors’ brilliance, resilience, and resourcefulness—and of the greatness I come from. Two weeks after returning to the U.S., I’m still glowing from the experience. I genuinely believe that every person of African descent should commit to visiting the continent at least once in their lifetime. As for me, I’ve decided to return every two years. The experience was so transformative, so grounding, so liberating … I want more.

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