In my experiences, I've encountered numerous American CHOSSA (Children of Stolen & Sold Africans) who wistfully express, “Africa is my dream destination. I would love to go there someday.” While this sentiment is pleasant, it also frustrates me. When I inquire about their international travels, I'm surprised to find that many have visited distant places such as Jerusalem, England, France, Cancun, Jamaica, Dubai, and Bermuda. While these trips are undoubtedly enjoyable, I struggle to understand why Africa is so infrequently included in their travel plans. It often feels as if they perceive Africa as an unreachable realm!

This mindset may stem from the historical narrative passed down through generations, where ancestors were told of their great distance from home, or perhaps from the realization that they would never return.

Admittedly, a few have mentioned trips to Egypt—technically part of Africa—but it appears that many do not venture beyond the Sahara. I've even had to pull out a map during discussions to clarify that Egypt is indeed "really" part of Africa. It's disheartening to see some who have traveled there either unaware of this fact or reluctant to acknowledge their connection to the continent.

Are CHOSSA in other regions similarly avoidant of their ancestral land, or is this phenomenon exclusive to us in America? I invite your thoughts in the comments if you know of CHOSSA in other countries who seem to disregard Africa.

Celebrating Global Cultures, Excluding African Ones?

A few years back, I learned about a significant community event organized by a local church. The occasion featured a vibrant celebration of global cultures, with various churches and organizations collaborating to showcase unique dishes from different countries. Each group prepared a special recipe and set up tables inviting guests to sample their culinary offerings. The event included representations from Chinese, Italian, Indian, Mexican, French, and American cultures, and it was celebrated as a resounding success.

Curiously, after hearing about the diverse dishes, I asked which African cultures were represented and what foods were prepared. To my astonishment, the individual I spoke with could not recall a single African dish. How could this be? In an event hosted by a Black church within a predominantly Black community, how could they overlook the contributions of an entire continent?

Denial of African Heritage

I've also encountered many Black individuals who adamantly state that they have no relatives in Africa, have lost nothing there, and feel no urge to "return" since they believe they lack any connection to the continent.

In America, there are CHOSSA who have grown up immersed in Black culture, yet some now assert that their ancestors were not forcibly brought here but were already present on the continent when Columbus arrived. These individuals claim no ties to Africa and see no reason to form any. Although their ancestors were enslaved alongside those brought from Africa, they argue that their lineage is indigenous to America and insist they are no longer Black but rather Native American.

While it's true that Africans had been present in what we now call America prior to Columbus's arrival, this does not negate their African identity. Those who assert otherwise often claim that we cannot trust European accounts of history—which is valid. However, visiting Africa can reveal a wealth of history from an African perspective, including artifacts, landmarks, and oral traditions confirming that many were indeed transported from Africa to various lands, including the Americas.

Our Collective Memory Lapse

Despite the understanding that humanity originated in Africa and that everyone, including Europeans and Native Americans, has ancestral roots there, we seem to have distanced ourselves from Africa. It has become a mythical place, often viewed as remote and difficult to access, leading us to overlook its significance when exploring diverse cultures. There seems to be a reluctance to associate with the continent, particularly its rich and vibrant aspects.

So, why do we tend to ignore Africa? What causes such frequent denial, especially among Black individuals?

Perhaps it's the misinformation we've received about Africa. Often depicted in a negative light, we are bombarded with images of impoverished children, mud huts, and foreign missionaries "rescuing" the less fortunate. We hear narratives about Nigerian scams, corrupt leadership, and greedy politicians. Yet, how many are aware of Africa's true wealth? How many understand the global dependence on its resources? How many have experienced its luxury boutiques, trendy restaurants, nightlife, suburban neighborhoods filled with grand estates, thriving film industries, breathtaking beaches, lush rainforests, or stunning resorts?

Africa is vast and diverse, comprising 54 countries with a rich tapestry of ethnicities, breathtaking landscapes, and an unparalleled history.

Why Do Non-Africans Recognize Africa’s Value While CHOSSA Do Not?

The reason many non-Africans have sought to exploit and colonize the continent is clear: if Africa were truly impoverished, people wouldn't travel from the U.S., the UK, China, India, and various parts of the Arab world to do business there. Recently, even the 45th President of the United States noted that many of his associates venture to Africa seeking wealth.

Currently, nations like Russia, China, and the United States are strategically positioning themselves in Africa, each vying for a larger stake in the continent's development. Tech companies are eyeing Africa as the next frontier, while savvy investors seek opportunities wherever possible. Meanwhile, CHOSSA seem largely unaware of this unfolding dynamic.

Africa is Not Poor—Far From It

Speaking of Africa's riches, did you know that around 40% of the world's gold is sourced from the continent? Consider that: the very place portrayed as impoverished and desperate, where children are said to be starving, has contributed nearly half of the gold circulating globally! Economies have been built and sustained on the wealth extracted from Africa, yet we continue to hear narratives of its poverty and need for charity.

From 2010 to 2020, four of the top six diamond-producing countries were in Africa. Diamonds, symbols of wealth and luxury, are also essential for industrial applications. How is it possible that such valuable resources are found in a continent often described as destitute?

Beyond gold and diamonds, essential elements like cobalt—used in batteries, computers, and mobile devices—are also mined by foreign companies in Africa. Other valuable resources such as oil, iron, silver, copper, and uranium are abundant across the continent. Shockingly, 80% of the world's platinum for machinery and jewelry is sourced from Africa! Daily, people, including children, risk their lives in pursuit of these materials, enabling others to enjoy technological luxuries while enriching non-Africans through resource sales.

I'm short on time today, but I encourage you to ponder why CHOSSA might ignore or downplay Africa's significance in our shared history. Share your thoughts in the comments, and don't forget to subscribe to receive my essays via email so you don't miss my upcoming article about the charity Africa truly doesn't require, contrary to popular belief. Yes, there are forces at play that many seem oblivious to.