#elmina

[themasterpupil]

A year ago today on December 28, 2023 I was arrested for no reason. I was rushed by 12 cops and put in a cell with shit stained walls. I was given a court date and having done nothing my case was dismissed. I still do not feel I received justice. America is the worst.

A year later I have stood in the same dungeons my ancestors were held captive and tortured by our oppressors in Africa. One day we will officially be free, I promise.

[inmyownbackyard]

[filmap]

Cobra Verde Werner Herzog. 1987

Castle Elmina Castle, Elmina, Ghana See in map

See in imdb

[jkenvs3000w-25]

Bridging Landscapes: Reflections on Nature in Mississauga and Tripoli - Unit 5

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how differently people feel and connect with nature in the two places I call home: Mississauga, Canada, and Tripoli, Lebanon. I last visited Tripoli in 2016, but I still remember it clearly. I can imagine the olive trees swaying in the wind, with their silver leaves shining in the sun. The Mediterranean Sea goes on forever beside El-Mina, with waves coming in a calming rhythm. The land feels heavy with history that is hard to express. In Mississauga, nature feels more organized because of parks and environmental conservation efforts. The more I think about it, the more I see how culture influences how we view and interact with nature.

In Mississauga, city planning affects how nature looks. Parks like Erindale and Rattray Marsh are managed areas set up to protect plants and animals, while also allowing people to enjoy nature. Signs explain why wetlands are important and provide information about bird migration. This organized approach reflects ideas in Chapter 1 of Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage about how interpretation helps people grasp the importance of natural areas and connect with the environment (Beck et al., 2018).

In Tripoli, nature is a part of everyday life, not something organized or managed. For example, consider olive trees. My family’s small garden has provided oil and food for many years. I remember my uncle showing me how olives were pressed, describing each step with the patience of someone who has done it for decades. These trees aren’t just resources, they represent strength and connection. Chapter 18 of Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage explains how interpretive plans help "find meaning in the cultural, natural, and historic values of a place and its significance to their lives" (Beck et al., 2018, p. 396). In Lebanon, people often find meaning in nature through tradition instead of formal education.

Walking by the El-Mina coast, I saw how people connect with the environment. Fishermen throw their nets, children sit by tide pools, and the calm sea becomes the backdrop for daily life. There are no signs or tours, but people feel a natural link to their surroundings. An article from the United Nations Environment Programme highlights the Mediterranean’s role in supporting livelihoods, from fishing to tourism, while also serving as a cultural center for thousands of years (Mediterranean Action Plan, n.d.). This mix of nature and culture feels more connected than in Mississauga, where people and parks are often kept apart.

Figure 1. Playing in the beach waters of Tripoli, Lebanon, with my cousins during a family visit in 2012.

Mississauga focuses on conservation, which aligns with Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage’s explanation of how interpretation fosters stewardship (Beck et al., 2018). Places like the Credit Valley Trail teach visitors how to care for ecosystems. Conservation Ontario supports this by offering resources to protect natural areas (Conservation Areas, n.d.).

Tripoli’s connection with nature seems more about being part of it than taking care of it. People have used resources like olive trees for livelihoods for centuries. The Food and Agriculture Organization highlights olive trees as vital not just for their economic value but as cultural symbols (Mediterranean Diet, n.d.).

Figure 2. A traditional fishing boat in the waters of El Mina, Tripoli, Lebanon.

Both perspectives - preserving in Mississauga and integrating in Tripoli - are important. They show how cultural backgrounds shape how we see and interact with nature. As Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage explains, interpretation should fit different audiences based on their values (Beck et al., 2018). Nature isn’t just a background for our lives but it’s part of our stories, seen in the organized parks of Canada and the ancient olive groves of Lebanon.

References

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For a better world (Rev. ed.). Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

Conservation Ontario. (n.d.). Conservation areas. https://conservationontario.ca/step-into-nature/conservation-areas

Food and Agriculture Organization. (n.d.). Sustainability pathways. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. https://www.fao.org/index.php?id=116076

United Nations Environment Programme. (n.d.). Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) – Barcelona Convention. United Nations. https://www.unep.org/mediterranean-action-plan-map-barcelona-convention

[witekspicsoldpostcards2]

ELMINA -> GHANA (Gold Coast) / AFRICA

[nanimanifests]

Elmina, Ghana

Transforming A Portal of the Diaspora

It is my calling to care for the wounds of the diaspora. I can't rest knowing that we aren't recognizing ourselves. The mirrors have confused us, we used to see souls. This portal will become a reminder for us to remember that we see each other. We can hold the complexity, the beauty, the ugliness because we know all that the balance creates. Through this portal, we enter a new way of living. We remember. We remember that our hands can heal, our voices can create, our hearts can lead, our minds can see, our eyes can imagine, our love can transcend.

[coeurdeverre82]

location africa: filming cobra verde

[bestghanatours]

Ghana's 'Beyond the Return': A Journey Through History and Hope.

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that bridges centuries of history with a vision for the future? Welcome to Ghana's "Beyond the Return" initiative – a powerful invitation to explore, connect, and invest in a land rich with cultural heritage and promising opportunities.

The Echoes of History: Ghana and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

Ghana, a jewel on Africa's western coast, holds a pivotal place in world history. For centuries, it was a major hub in the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, a dark chapter that saw millions of Africans forcibly transported to the Americas between the 16th and 19th centuries.

Today, Ghana's coast is dotted with stark reminders of this era:

- Cape Coast Castle: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this fortress once held enslaved Africans before their harrowing journey across the Atlantic.

- Elmina Castle: The oldest European building in sub-Saharan Africa, it played a significant role in the slave trade.

These sites serve not just as tourist attractions, but as powerful memorials and educational centers, offering visitors a chance to reflect on the past and its lasting impact on our world today.

Beyond the Return: A Bridge to the Future.

In 2019, Ghana launched the "Year of Return," marking 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in Jamestown, Virginia. The initiative was a resounding success, attracting thousands of visitors from the African diaspora and beyond.

Building on this momentum, Ghana introduced "Beyond the Return" – a visionary initiative that looks to the future while acknowledging the past. Here's what makes it special:

1. Cultural Reconnection: Experience vibrant festivals, traditional ceremonies, and immersive cultural exchanges.

2. Investment Opportunities: Discover Ghana's growing sectors, from technology to agriculture, ripe for international collaboration.

3. Simplified Migration: Learn about programs designed to make it easier for people of African descent to visit, live, or invest in Ghana.

4. Tourism with Purpose: Explore Ghana's stunning landscapes, from pristine beaches to lush national parks, while contributing to local communities.

Why Choose Ghana for Your Next Journey?

Ghana offers a unique blend of historical significance and future potential:

- Rich History: Dive deep into centuries of West African culture and global history.

- Warm Hospitality: Experience the legendary Ghanaian hospitality, known as "Akwaaba."

- Natural Beauty: From the bustling streets of Accra to the serene shores of Lake Volta, Ghana's diverse landscapes await.

- Economic Opportunities: Be part of Ghana's growing economy, with sectors like tech, agriculture, and tourism booming.

Plan Your Transformative Trip Today.

Whether you're seeking to connect with your roots, explore new investment opportunities, or simply experience the warmth and beauty of West Africa, Ghana's "Beyond the Return" initiative offers something for everyone.

Ready to start your journey? Contact Best Ghana Tours today to plan your personalized Ghanaian adventure. Let us guide you through a land where history meets hope, and where every traveler can be part of a brighter future.

Don't miss this chance to be part of a global movement. Book your trip to Ghana now and go beyond the return – into a world of discovery, connection, and opportunity.

Start Planning Your Ghana Adventure!

[prnanayarquah]

CAPTAIN CJQ Bar and Restaurant officially opens on August 10th

New Post has been published on https://plugzafrica.com/captain-cjq-bar-and-restaurant-officially-opens-on-august-10th/

CAPTAIN CJQ Bar and Restaurant officially opens on August 10th

The culinary scene in Elmina is set to get a vibrant new addition with the grand opening of CAPTAIN CJQ Bar and Restaurant on August 10th. Located at Elmina Opposite Motel (Berjaya) Junction, CAPTAIN CJQ promises a unique blend of exquisite cuisine, refreshing drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere.

CAPTAIN CJQ Bar and Restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience with a menu that features a diverse range of local and international dishes. Patrons can expect expertly crafted meals made from the freshest ingredients, ensuring every dish is a culinary delight.

A new dining establishment in Elmina, dedicated to offering high-quality food, exceptional service, and a vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant is committed to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and providing a welcoming space.

With a touch of class, CAPTAIN CJQ offers the space for all your gatherings, among other great services provided. Come August 10th, don’t miss this golden opportunity to join the Elmina community to officially open CAPTAIN CJQ.

Time: 2pm

Location: Elmina Opposite Motel (Berjaya) Junction

[themasterpupil]

Cape Coast

[ghanatrails]

https://www.threads.net/@bestghanatours

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow is our doubts of today." – Franklin D. Roosevelt

[thingsaishalove]

Thanking our Ancestors for all they have been true for Use.

Keep it going strong!

Assin Manso, Slavey Market River

[annacomnena]

Near Elmina, Ghana

[pyreflyashes]

Pixeltober 2024 day 14

Original size:

[oldfilmsflicker]

new-to-me #66 - Omega Rising Women of Rastafari

[notokwithclay]

Where was Columbus in 1482?