Miss Porter's School OEI Newsletter February 2024

AKWAABA

By ashley amoabeng a·kwaa·ba

/ɑ:ˈkwɑ:.bɑ:/ noun

a word from the Akan language of Ghana, meaning “welcome.” Its literal translation is “you have left and come back,” embodying the spirit of returning to one’s roots.

Akwaaba. A word that carries the weight of history and the warmth of homecoming. As Black History Month unfolds, it serves as a beacon guiding us back to our origins, back to the lands where our ancestors roamed, back to the heart of Africa.

But Akwaaba isn’t just about physical return; it’s about reclaiming our identity and honouring our ancestors. It’s about acknowledging the sacrifices they made and the resilience they showed, paving the way for us to walk proudly in their footsteps.

As Black History Month reminds us of the struggles and triumphs of our forebears, let us also heed the call of Akwaaba, beckoning us to come home—to reconnect with our roots, to celebrate our culture, and to embrace our shared heritage.

So, here’s to Akwaaba—to the journey of coming home, to the spirit of welcome that transcends borders, and to the enduring legacy of resilience and strength that defines us as a people.

Welcome home. Akwaaba.

Danny Wonders

For

wide shot Ashantehene (@wondervision)

The Asantehene, ruler of the Ashanti tribe, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and his advisors at the marking of his Silver Jubilee.

Let’s go to the market ––Postcards from a Black Star Series 2014

cape coast slave ships (@musah botchway)

many enslaved people, the Cape Coast Castle held their last memories of the motherland. This view may have very well been their last of home. Musah Botchway

The Asantehene is highly revered in Ashanti culture and plays a crucial role in the traditions and governance. Gold has a cultural and historical significance in the Ashanti Kingdom.

Danny Wonders

The days seem longer and the sun sets later ––Postcards from a Black Star Series 2014

A behind the scenes shot as his closest advisor prepares my uncle for an appearance. Each event he attends must include an elaborate formal invitation.

detail shot Ashantehene (@wondervision)