Frederick Douglass Academy VII in Brooklyn, New York, recently made history with their first-ever cultural immersion trip to Ghana. Students, staff, and families embarked on this amazing journey with the help of African Roots Travel and Birthright Africa, and it turned out to be a life-changing experience for everyone involved.
Maurice Cheetham, CEO of African Roots Travel, summed up the trip beautifully, “It’s all about creating a bond with the motherland and connecting with peers in Ghana.” And that’s exactly what happened. This wasn’t just a trip – it was an opportunity for students to experience a deep connection to their roots and learn about the rich culture of Ghana firsthand.
The trip was planned for months by Bijourn Jordan, travel coordinator for The Brownsville Abroad Travel Program, and Frederick Douglass Academy VII Principal Tamika Mathison. Over nine days and eight nights, students got to immerse themselves in Ghana’s culture, history, and traditions. According to Principal Mathison, the trip was “priceless” and something the students will remember forever.
One of the most powerful moments of the trip was the visit to Assin Manso, a site tied to the transatlantic slave trade. The group visited the Slave River, where enslaved Africans took their last bath before being shipped across the Atlantic. Standing there, the students honored their ancestors by placing a wreath at the site – a symbolic way of connecting the past with the present and remembering the resilience of those who came before them.
The trip also included a visit to the Cape Coast Slave Dungeon, where students saw firsthand the cramped, dark cells where enslaved Africans were held. Standing at the infamous “Door of No Return,” the students reflected on the unimaginable hardships their ancestors faced. It was an emotional moment, but also one that helped them understand the strength and courage it took to survive.
Another highlight of the trip was the day spent at Ordorgonnor Senior High School in Accra. Through the Art Cares Foundation’s School for a Day program, students from Frederick Douglass Academy VII got to experience life in a Ghanaian classroom. They participated in traditional music, dance, and drama, and even picked up some new language skills. This day helped the students connect with their Ghanaian peers and see how education brings people together no matter where you are.
Music was another big part of the experience. At Prince Media Studio in Accra, the students worked with Ghanaian producers David Bolton and DJ Fortune to create their own Afrobeat tracks. The collaboration blended Brooklyn and Accra influences, and the students got to showcase their creativity in a new way. According to Ms. Revlyn Phillips, the students really pushed themselves and embraced the whole process.
The group also made time for giving back. They visited the Jack and Jill Brooklyn STEM Center in Mamprobi, Accra, where they worked with local students to build bamboo Bluetooth speakers. It was a hands-on project that encouraged teamwork and creativity. Principal Mathison even donated two desktop computers to the Africa STEM Academy, adding to the positive impact of their visit.
The trip wrapped up with a special Ghana Family Day in the Mamprobi neighborhood of Accra. Students were welcomed into the homes of local families, where they learned about Ga traditions, shared meals, and participated in a naming ceremony. Assistant Principal Gail Murray said the warm welcome from the families made them feel like they were truly coming home.
Reflecting on the whole experience, Maurice Cheetham said, “It’s an honor to create a homecoming for these scholars. The stories and experiences they’ve had here will be passed down for generations.” The collaboration between Frederick Douglass Academy VII, African Roots Travel, and Birthright Africa set the stage for a new kind of cultural exchange. It wasn’t just about learning – it was about creating lasting connections and a deeper understanding of where they come from.
As the students head back to Brooklyn, they’re carrying with them memories, lessons, and a renewed sense of pride in their heritage. This first trip to Ghana has opened the door to future journeys and continues to show the power of cultural exploration. For anyone considering a similar trip, Frederick Douglass Academy VII’s experience is proof of the profound impact of reconnecting with Africa.
