Day 1 in Accra Ghana.

Yesterday started off with a plane ride out of Tulsa at 7:15am to Charlotte. From Charlotte to DC and from DC to Accra Ghana arriving this morning at 8am Ghana time. It was a busy Saturday, but so far it has been worth the journey.

Once we arrived in Ghana we met with our liaison, Beatrice (Miimi), from the Community College in Accra and the fun began. We first checked-in at our hotel and after a short nap, we went to see the Memorial Park of the first democratically elected President of Ghana, Kwame Nikrumah. Many great historical facts and photos of Kwame from the books he wrote to the world leaders he met from President John F. Kennedy to Dictator Fidel Castro.

Throughout Accra I have noticed the abundance of African men who are working in all parts of the city from the airport to street vendors. It was very noticeable how African men are a vital part of the Accra economy and government. Seeing all of these African men being productive in their society, made me think about where we are as black men in America. Even when we went to the shopping mall, the men and women were fashionable, no sagging or just something thrown on, but dressed in a way that showed pride in who they are.

I know that for our students seeing African men being productive and having pride in the way they dress and carry themselves will help to promote a positive view about Black men and the pride that we have as a culture.

I am excited about Day 2...more to come.