On this day 51 years ago, March 6, 1957, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African nation to achieve independence from colonial rule. Though it is morning here in Oregon, Ghanaians are reaching the end of their day, 9 hours ahead of us. One of the aspects of history I learned more about during our journey making Traces of the Trade, as well as in writing Inheriting the Trade, was the profound impact that colonial rule had on the people of Africa. I highly recommend Thomas Pakenham’s book, The Scramble for Africa: The White Man’s Conquest of the Dark Continent from 1876 to 1912.

Yesterday I received an e-mail from my dear friend Eric Manu, a young Ghanaian man who lives near Cape Coast reminding me of today’s Independence Day celebration in his nation. When I awoke this morning I received another e-mail from Eric:

…today we had a wonderful holiday and most people had to come together to celebrate with their families and friends, i traveled to see my grand mum and my family in the village and thank God that they are doing great…