The excitement was palpable as I approached the gates of Parliament knowing that in short order, for the first time, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives would be addressing Ghana’s Parliament. His(Her)Story was about to be made and I was going to be in da’ House. Over the past few days a delegation of members of Congress has been greeted and celebrated as they came to recognize and pay homage to, as Speaker Pelosi stated, “the starting point of the African American experience”.
Parliament Building 
Interior of Parliament
My starting point this day was with a machine gun wielding security officer who made sure I did not step foot beyond the security booth until I was cleared. Two U.S. State Department employees and one Ghanaian Ambassador assistant later, I was escorted up the steps and into the Parliament building. Once inside I made my way to the public gallery where I was invited to sit on the U.S. side. A lovely British photographer working for a French newspaper (okay, I feel at home right about now!) gives me the quick synopsis on why she loves Ghana so much – from the ease of life, to the warmth of her people, to the culture and arts scene that is vibrant, to fabulous food. Armed with great tips for subsequent exploration, I settle in for what would soon be the theater of Ghanaian Parliament. Just prior to the call to order a member of the Ghanaian Ambassador’s office found me and asked me to accompany him to the Ghanaian side, since “we have better seats.” SCORE!!!!
View from American Side 
Former President Jerry Rawlings 
View from the Ghanaian Side 
Ghana’s Parliament is theater in the highest order and I loved every moment of it. The majority and minority uttered guttural sounds at each other as they debated the minutes from the prior session. You absolutely needed an interpreter to understand what was going on. Once the U.S. delegation was introduced, you learned that applause was not the order of the day. Rather, assent was indicated by shouting a word that sounded like – “ey, ey”. The more you were liked and admired, the louder and longer the cheer!!! It would surprise no one that Rep. John Lewis received the loudest and longest ovation. He is a Rockstar here as well as at home. Once we all settled in – and yes, my girl Janette Yarwood was also introduced with the delegation – EY EY!!! – Speaker Pelosi delivered elegant words of appreciation to the Ghanaian government, marvel at the number of ordinary US citizens who made the trek to be present during this historic moment (me); and solemn observance of the horror of the African Holocaust. As she acknowledged Ghana as a heritage site for Americans (note early point re; the start of the African American experience), she encouraged our two countries to build and expand upon our partnerships.
Rep John Lewis trying to figure out how to join the dancers once the official photo is taken.
After a few more comments from the Ghanaian Speaker we headed outside for a photo op and PARTY!!!! Met by a drumming and dancing troupe, the joyous celebration was the fitting end to this historic moment. I hope to never forget the pure joy John Lewis had as he danced his way to the front of the stairs. You could see that he just wanted to bust a move while others were trying to get them to take their places. Ha, what a sight
Susan Taylor, Chairwoman Emerita, Essence Magazine
Waving a found farewell to the Congressional Delegation’s motorcade, I pondered whether our enslaved ancestors could even imagine that one day we would be home in positions of power to pay homage to their spirits and experience. Did they imagine the overwhelming gratitude we would have for their resilience? And those poor souls who were tortured and starved to death before they could even make the boats for the ungodly journey across the ocean, did the millions of them know their dying would not be in vain? We your children have returned home!!! We See You!!! We Honor You!!! We will NEVER FORGET!!!
ThatTravelingBlackGirl 