Being of Haitian lineage, and our family being able to trace back its origin to Ghana, made this professional development program a personal enrichment. This program held special significance for me - a connection to my roots that I had longed to explore. Attending Church, getting to know my Ghanaian colleagues in the cohort, working with a 7th grade class, talking to each presenter we encountered and each hospitality professional we engaged with, gave me so much inspiration. It was a feeling of coming full circle, of understanding where I came from and how that shapes who I am today. One aspect of my journey that stands out is the deep sense of responsibility for others that permeates the Ghanaian culture. From colleagues who were always willing to share their meal with you, think of your needs first, laugh with you, and support one another in times of need, I was inspired by the collective mindset that underpinned daily experience in Ghana. It made me reflect on my own role in my community back home… I’m embarrassed to say that I was relieved to leave my daily life for a couple of weeks; I assumed, and shared my plan at home, that I would have a chance to enhance my listening skills, step down from verbal leadership, and be more introspective. In hindsight, I was being quite hard on myself. The opposite thing happened while in the program.
In Ghana, I learned about the concept of the Queen Mother, a powerful and influential figure in many Ghanaian communities. The Queen Mother plays a vital role in governance, community development, and conflict resolution, wielding significant authority and respect. I was appointed the Queen Mother for our Cohort. When I learned this, I was surprised- I could see all of the plans I had for myself dissolving. I could only see the role I played in my daily life- overthinking and worrying about other people’s needs; neglecting my own, and of course, being too hard on myself.
When we arrived for The Witness Tree Institute, we were warmly greeted by our Ghanaian colleagues who thoughtfully took time to cook dinner for us and welcome us with music and games. It was pure love and kindness. Six people who didn’t know anything about us, opened their hearts to make sure their new colleagues were comfortable. The first full day of the Witness Tree Program brought a generous welcome through a Ga Welcome Ceremony. Elders traveled and gathered from afar to welcome us into their community, wished us prosperity, and reminded us to return to Ghana often.
It was at the Ga Welcome Ceremony where I met Efua. During the ceremony, there is an important distinction about leadership. One of the linguists noted that Queen Mother is a warrior for her people, but also is one who settles conflicts among her people with a responsible and thoughtful nature. For the first time in a long time, I saw leadership as a blessing or a calling. Since I was a little girl, leadership has called on me, and on this trip I learned that I shouldn’t try to escape but embrace this part of my character. My day name is Efua - born on Friday (Feminine). I can’t help but think about the fact that the Queen Mother announcement was made on a Friday evening, followed by a full moon and the Ga Welcome Ceremony the next day. Things feel anew to me. Leadership now brings up thoughts of beauty, community, and trust. Trust from the Witness Tree Institute, and trust from the elders that I would do right by our cohort and that I would put them first. It’s the first time I’ve thought about leadership and someone trusting you, as a gift and privilege instead of a burden or stress that I will get it wrong when I am too tired.
Witnessing the reverence and leadership of the Queen Mother highlighted for me the importance of strong female figures in society and the value of women's voices in decision-making processes. I have the blessing of being able to collaborate with just about anyone. Interacting with multiple personalities reminds me of the trip our cohort took to Nkyinkyim Museum where we saw an obelisk that depicted multiple personalities as animals with a variety of temperaments.
As I delved deeper into my heritage, I also came to a profound realization - it's okay to be myself. In a world that often demands conformity, being in Ghana taught me the beauty of embracing my identity, with all its complexities and contradictions. I felt a sense of liberation in accepting and celebrating all parts of myself, knowing that each facet contributes to the rich tapestry of who I am.
In the end, my journey to Ghana was not just a physical voyage but a spiritual and emotional one as well. It was a journey of self-discovery, of refreshing my understanding of importance of community, responsibility, and the empowerment of women through figures like the Queen Mother. Ghana will always hold a special place in my heart, a place where I found pieces of myself that I never knew were missing. The place where I found Efua.
Charline Alexandre- Joseph Academic Advisor, Admissions Counselor Massasoit Community College Brockton, Massachusetts.