Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff visited Cape Coast Castle, a slave fort in Ghana with a dark history of human trafficking and enslavement. During the visit, which held special significance as Harris is the first vice president of African ancestry in the United States, she became emotional and threw out her prepared remarks after touring the fort. Calling it a “place of horror,” she lamented the fate of millions of captives who were sold into slavery.
A History of Endurance and Faith
The fort’s dungeons held human beings who were kept in squalid conditions, starved, and tortured before being sold into slavery. However, despite the atrocities they faced, Harris noted that the captives showed endurance, faith, and the ability to survive and thrive. She emphasized the importance of teaching and remembering history to avoid repeating such injustices.
A New Era of Partnership
During her trip to Africa, Harris also pledged a new era of partnership with the continent and announced $100 million in US aid to Ghana, Zambia, and Tanzania – three nations also being courted by China as part of its Belt and Road Initiative. Her visit aimed to strengthen US ties with these countries.
Anti-LGBTQ Bill
However, Harris’ arrival coincided with another development in Ghana. President Nana Akufo-Addo announced that his government intervened to modify “substantial elements” of a proposed anti-LGBTQ bill introduced by parliamentarians. The harsh bill included punishments such as jail time or “conversion therapy” for LGBTQ individuals. The government clarified that it was a private member’s bill rather than one introduced by them.
Upholding Freedom and Equality
Harris also spoke out for LGBTQ rights during her visit when she called for freedom and equality for the LGBTQ community in Ghana. However, activists warned that the proposed bill would make it difficult for the community to exist in Ghana, leading to violent attacks against them.
The Importance of Remembering
Harris and Emhoff walked through the “Door of No Return,” the last step before kidnapping victims were forced onto ships to be transported across the Atlantic Ocean. Kwesi Blankson, who guided them on their tour, described it as a solemn moment. Harris said she planned to carry the anguish and pain from Cape Coast Castle with her and use it to fight for freedom and justice.
Fighting for Civil Rights
The visit to an object in Ghana’s past also comes after an uproar over Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis’ decision to block a new high school Advanced Placement course on Black history. Harris emphasized that the descendants of enslaved people went on to fight for civil rights in the United States and around the world.
In conclusion, Harris’ emotional visit to Cape Coast Castle highlights the importance of remembering a history of human trafficking and enslavement. Her pledge towards a new era of partnership with Africa shows an effort towards moving past such injustices. As Harris continues to fight for freedom and civil rights, the world looks forward to seeing what strides she will make towards equality.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
