GRIOTS REPUBLIC - AN URBAN BLACK TRAVEL MAG - DECEMBER 2016

Ali of Andaando Tours. If you’re looking
to understand the roots of modern
day oppression, institutional racism,
self hate within the Black diaspora, destruction
of the Black family or simply
pay homage and say a prayer for the
ancestors, this is a powerful place to
start. Our students faced a mixed range
of emotions.
Seeing the nonchalant Europeans on the
ferry and tour felt disrespectful, filled
them with anger and left them wondering
why they were even there and should
they even be allowed there at all. For
one student it brought up painful memories
and heartache that were shared
by a relative who’s endured modern day
slavery. For our Gambian chaperone,
there was anger at how much the African
community doesn’t know and how
that ignorance affects how they think
about and deal with African Americans.
For our White student there was shame
and horror around her ancestor’s actions.
It was a heavy morning. What do
you do with all of that?
After sitting with that grief, moving
through the day and regrouping to debrief
that evening, students were encouraged
to channel their energy into
speaking up when they see a wrong
being done or something crazy being
said about a marginalized group, or
challenging their own thoughts of color
lines within the Black community or
raising awareness about present day is-