African Experiences:

As a result of continued requests regarding my travels to Africa I have posted these photographs taken at Goree Island, Senegal and Elmina Castle, Cape Coast Ghana.    These two locations, from the early 1500's to the mid 1800's accounted for more than 65 million Africans sent into bondage to the Americas.

These countries were part of the slave coast states including present day Benin, Togo & Nigeria where millions of Africans were also sent into bondage.  It is my sincere hope that all who behold these images of the past  will with the Power of Truth honor the lives of those who suffered by assisting in the demand for Reparations.

Leaving Dakar, Senegal By Ferry                 Approaching Goree Island, Senegal

Our approach allows us to behold the fort constructed over 300 years ago.

"The Balcony" where buyers would purchase Human Beings as property and thereby beginning the act of separating entire Families forever.

The Schackles Of Bondage.                             Standing At The Door Of No Return.

Office Mural depicting captured Africans bonded, whipped and forced onto a slaveship

Elmina Castle Cape Coast, Ghana: Construction began in 1471 and was completed in 1482.

The St. Georges Slave Castle was built using slave labor.   The castle was designed with a Fourfold purpose.  1) A defense fort against the Dutch, French & English approaching by sea.   2)  An administrative office and home for the self declared Portugese Governor of Cape Coast.    3) Housing & Mess Hall accomodations for garrisons of Portugese Soldiers and Slave Traders.  4) Detention & Torture facility for captured Africans Sold and Bonded into Slavery enroute to the Americas.

I am opening the door of one of the many 8 x 9 foot cells that held up to 30 Men captive.

The Sign Speaks For Itself.          "The Window"  was not there when Africans were  being held captive in this  8 x 9 Cell.

The Recalcitrants Hole.    Brave Africans who fought back were covered in molasses and placed in this 5 x 4 foot hole that was filled with red ants.    Neither food or water were given to them and they were left there for days.  Iron bars once covered the opening that you see.

Elmina, Ghana view from atop of St. Georges Slave Castle.

One of many Cannons used by the Portugese against  the Dutch, French and English.

The Sign Reads: Portugese Church circa 1657.    Slavery could not have existed without the consent of the Church.

The Sign Reads: Male Slave Exit.  Africans bound in chains from the neck, hands and feet were lead through this door into a maze which eventually lead to a slaveship.  The last doorway into the ship was  accurately called "The Door Of No Return".

Goree Island, Senegal                                                          Cape Coast, Ghana

Myself in front of Drums of the "Fontomfrom" Cutural Family.   This includes Apentemma, Adukurogya, Donno, From, Atumpan, and Aro Brenko. Some drums in these ranges are labelled like a family: father, mother, son etc., depending on the pitch the drum is played at.   Picture taken at "KoKorobite Cultural Academy" Accra, Ghana.

After a Kokorobite Academy "Welcoming Ceremony" For Pharoah Sanders Jazz Quartet, A Jam Session Takes Place On Traditional Ghanaian Drums.

Pharoah Sanders Quartet Members: Myself on left, Drummer Greg Bandy (center w/ white hat, glasses) & Pianist William Henderson on far right.

Grand Bassam Beach, Ivory Coast: These Men walk upon the beach with these heavy chests balanced on their heads.    Their Artistry involves the weaving of these Chest's from real Camel Hair.