Jul 17 2009
Imagine the Feeling - Delivered to Slavery
This flag is the flag of Ghana. Today I was reading an article about President Obama’s visit to Africa - more specifically the Cape Coast Castle in Ghana. This is the historically tragic last point many African people saw before being transported to a life of slavery. Something tells me that for most non-African people a visit to this area would be a disturbing experience; I cannot imagine how it would feel for a person of color. Just looking at the images I felt as if I was there feeling all that President Obama and his family must have felt – I got chills!
So put yourself in that position, try to imagine you’re a person of color, and imagine your last moments of freedom and what they would have entailed. Try to imagine that you were going to a whole new life that was not of your choosing, to a ‘master’ you did not know, your time would not be your own, there was the possibility of unknown horrors that were real, and you had no idea what would happen to your family. All of this you deal with only because of the color of your skin. You would be afraid for yourself and afraid for your family; you would also be questioning whichever spirituality you deal with. It is truly hard to imagine how it would feel to have no choice to have such a large load imposed upon oneself. Or perhaps imagine what it may be like to be descended from slaves and visit the area where your ancestors stood facing their uncertain, yet certainly heart-wrenching fate.
Even if there is no actual and real way for President Obama to share the actualities of his trip, the images and the feelings that are brought to mind as we watch and read about his experiences there are of great national value. Nothing will ever change the fact that the U.S. has a history of having thrived on the sale of slaves, as well as on the fruits of their labors. What was done to those people of color back then was unforgiveable; the least we can do to set things straight in part is to become aware of the horrors that were imposed upon them. This should help us know how to stop racially motivated injustices from happening in the future - and show us we must act when we know.
By visiting Africa along with President Obama in my thoughts I learnt a lot. Even though it hurt me to imagine all that I did, it does nothing to help mend any past injustices. The only thing that can is time and the total eradication of all racial prejudices. If only all of those people of color sold into slavery could see the now - see that Barack Obama, President of the United States is of color and his wife’s lineage descended from amongst them. Who would have ever thought that this wonderful evolution was even possible?
One benefit of having a president of color is that it puts a fast forward hit on managing racial prejudice issues.
I don’t know about you, but with all occurrences in the world right now I am getting a definite message from the Universe. The message is that I am being given one last chance to set my spirit right and to do what I can within my power to correct recognized injustices. All I am saying here is think about choosing a cause and doing what you can, the time has never been more right…
And how is your day?
Anderson Cooper/Obama in Ghana
Discovery Education on Slavery
well, I know that MO is supposed to be descended from slaves, but Barack obama’s paternal lineage comes from slave traders and on his maternal side from slave-owners.
MLK and the 1964 Civil rights Act wanted people to be judged on the basis of one’s character, not the color of one’s skin. Barack Obama is a disgrace, and has only one purpose: to bring down the United States.
Let me begin by stating that I am not defending Barack Obama, I am questioning your logic here.
1) Does the fact that Obama descended from slave traders/owners mean that he is guilty of something that a person would not be guilty of if they were not? Is the suggestion that Obama is descended from slave owners not more conjecture?
2) Do you really believe that Martin Luther King would allow you to use his words to attack a man of color, or a man not of color?
3) Do you really believe that Martin Luther King ever imagined in his wildest dreams that anyone would ever quote him in attack of a man of color?
4) What does the 1964 Civil Rights act have to do with your personal attack on President Obama? Has he done anything to reverse or undo the act? Mr. Obama appears to be doing what he can.
5) No one that wanted to ‘bring down the United States’ as their primary motive would be able to appear sane enough to be voted into office of commander in cheif. If by neglect to perform well that would be the end result or not, I cannot tell - nor can you. It most certainly cannot be his ulterior motive.
6) Are you for real? I laugh at your statement because you are so venemous it is over the edge. Check your meds hon, time for an update prescription. You’re off the f*cking chain.
Just the same, thanks for visiting and supporting my blog.
Empathy - you experienced it and expressed it - the world should have more empathy in it - it would leave less violence and hate!! Empathy lends to growth. It is wise to “set your spirit right” and without knowing your spirit personally, I would say you have taken a giant step by experiencing and verbalizing “empathy” - it could have been empathy on any level but I’m glad you took a walk down “memory lane” this way and left references for those who want to take that walk as well.
Peace
I was hoping that the share would evoke others to participate in healing the world; great for the world, great for those participating.
Thanks for the comment truth, very much appreciated.
Judy, I think that MLK would have judged Obama on the basis of his character, not his skin color. In fact Dr. Alveda King, MLK’s niece said that the election of Obama is been contrary to MLK’s “Dream” CNS News
All I can say in answer to having read the link on your comment is you sure read into things. I saw nothing that could be interpreted as Dr. A. King stating that the election of Obama was ‘contrary to Martin Luther King’s dream.’
As a matter of fact I understood her as saying that the election of Obama was a great step for civil rights but his stance on abortion puts him out of line with Martin Luther King’s dream - as he had believed that the unborn fetuses should possess the same rights as born children.
Once again I wish to state that I am not pro Obama, I am truly not yet sure about the man one way or the other. According to the statistics available, he is about typical as far as how he is viewed in comparison against previous presidents.
Obama Approval Rating
Cheers
You are so right too john michael. There should be a large and gloriously breathtakingly beautiful tribute to the ugliness that these people lived and died through. Yes, this is something it defies logic that is does not exist… I am wondering how can this be changed…?
Good article judy
It does make you think about how it would have been walking through those doors and loaded upon those ships. No matter who you are, you can feel the pains of slavery.
I am hearing you… and can only imagine the intensity. Can’t help but notice that there is something quite powerful about just looking at the pictures. Heart wrending. Thank you for your compliment on this article.