One of the mottos of Witness Tree Institute of Ghana is the Akan proverb, "Tete Wo Biribi Ka-The past has something to say," so we begin this letter with the tradition of calling our ancestors to come bear witness, and to welcome those whose sudden deaths have prompted our shedding of water and alcohol on the earth. As I watched the life slip out of George Floyd's life on that infamous video that has circulated the world, I heard him call out to his mother twice. As a Ghanaian with great reverence for the work my ancestors have done for me, I knew he was looking into the world of his ancestors and crossing over. His cry should be ours too. And perhaps we have the privilege of shaping the outcome unlike George Floyd.
Agoo, Agoo, Agoo, those who have gone before us!
Forgive us for waking you from your peace today. We ask you to forgive us for mentioning your names today. The young bird does not crow until it hears the old ones. We call for your guidance, and ask you to listen to our cries, and to welcome your children home.
George Floyd,
Aumand Aubrey,
Breonna Taylor,
Freddy Gray,
Tamir Rice,
Sandra Bland,
Trayvon Martin,
Eric Garner,
Philando Castille,
Michael Brown,
David McAtee,
Atatiana Jefferson,
Botham Jean,
Steven Clark,
Jordan Edwards,
Keith Lamont Scott,
Terrance Crutcher,
Alton Sterling,
Samuel DuBose,
Walter Scott,
Eric Harris,
Laquar McDonald,
John Crawford 111
There are many more. Our path to justice and peace continues not only to be littered with more brown and black bodies, but, thorny and hampered at every turn -- by apathy, denial, ignorance, cruelty, selfishness, pride and fear. Because we are human, there will be more until we come together like unbreakable African broom sticks tied in unity. Welcome them, guide us, and lead us to a place where we will no longer be slaves to fear, for our work to be truly done.
Tswa, Tswa, tswa, Omanye aba! Bestow blessings on us!
During these tumultuous racially charged times, ignited by the ever-growing list of murdered black civilians, we at the WTIG are committed to seeking ways to become “part of the conversation and part of the solution”. It is not enough to cry and wring OUR hands in reaction to injustice. We all have a fundamental duty to protect each other and to become leaders. We all have the ability to lead differently. Fill a void or echo truth. As an Akan proverb states, “When the great Odum tree falls, it is the pawpaw tree that grows in its roots. “
For two years, WTIG has created connections, nurtured and sought to heal, and (through experiential learning) fostered compassion and empathy. With a mission to open doors to experiences that create connections, agency and transformation, our educational programs in Ghana bring educators face to face with the past and the dark history of slavery. We stand with our ancestors, our children and nation to condemn brutality and abuse through words, actions or physical harm anywhere, anytime, to anyone. WTIG will continue to use its platform to affect change through its participants.
To be silent is to be complicit. Black lives matter, and we have a duty to our children, schools, communities to speak up, and cultivate the skills to do so.
As educators we must commit to specific, daily, concrete action. Anti-racist, social justice and equity work should be the backbone for every subject taught in every school. Immerse yourself into activities and studies that involve differences and discomfort, but also deeper conversations about race. That is why the WTIG has focused on teachers who have the tools and platform to mold and guide our young minds towards a more just world. Our teaching must be actively anti-racist because these systemic problems will remain if those who teach and work with children don't commit to real change.
So, as a witness to injustice and oppression, stand up for justice! Find ways to speak up, fight domination and undo privilege. As one of my white friends, fellow educator and advocate said in a written comment recently “Read. Learn. Question. Advocate politically. Donate. Interrupt. Amplify.” These are the actions expected of all participants in the Witness Tree program. These should be expected of all educators nationwide, and indeed all fair-minded people. We belong to one family, and we owe each other no less.
With respect and hope,
Tete Cobblah
WTIG Board of Trustees, WTIG Advisory Board
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SUMMER 2020 EXCURSION POSTPONED
Due to the ongoing global impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the possibility of international borders remaining closed during the summer, we have decided to suspend our travel program until the summer of 2021. Even though we are disappointed, the 2021 WTIG program will offer an even more exciting, inspiring and enriching program. All 2020 accepted participants have been offered a spot in the 2021 cohort. New applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
The institute will continue to move forward with our plans to offer DEI workshops for schools and organizations, so please check back here soon for updates. If you are interested in bringing WTIG to your school or organization in the fall, please reach out to witnesstreeinstitute@gmail.com.
Thank you to the WTIG community for your support with this difficult decision, and please take care.