Obama Visits Cape Coast Castle In Ghana (VIDEO)

CAPE COAST, Ghana President Barack Obama says a slave site reminds him of humanity's potential for "great evil" but also gives him a reason for hope, given the progress African-Americans have made since leaving the castle as slaves.

Obama toured a seaside fortress that the British used as slave dungeons during the 17th century. Obama said the site reminded him of a recent trip to a Nazi concentration camp in Germany.

Obama visited the Cape Coast site with his wife, Michelle and their daughters. Obama says it's important for his girls to learn an obligation to fight oppression and learn about history's cruelty.

He says that no matter how vicious that history might be, it is possible to overcome it.

Comments

[neesy08]

10:16 AM on 07/12/2009

I visited a similiar one i the Bahamas. Turned my stomach. The shackels did something to me. It was dark and dingy looking.

[bschell]

01:51 PM on 07/12/2009

I don't think that even President Obama's words can really portray the sheer emotion that being in a slave dungeon brings. nessy08, I would recommend taking a look at the below documentary about the Ghana Slave Dungeon:

http://explore.org/explore/africa/films/68

You're right, seeing the actual instruments of slavery brings a string physical feeling.

[raye1]

09:40 AM on 07/12/2009

I was fortunate enough to visit Almahra (sp?) castle (proper name) about 8 years ago. I also hired a camera team from Ghanian National Television to follow me around cape coast the entire day, ending with the visit to the castle. They then cut together a wonderful video for me, it is one of my most prized possesions. It is such a moving experience when you visit there. It seems as if you hear the souls of the millions who died there cry out for justice .

[WilliePilgrim]

09:28 AM on 07/12/2009

What's the deal with being "foreign born" anyhow? Of for that matter what's the deal with citizenship and passports. Our concern over this is entirely modern and irrelevant. The founding fathers might have had some nativist reason to include it way back when, but if there were one aspect of the constitution that smacks of small minds and provincialism, this is it.
One should bear in mind that only a few short generations ago, nobody cared what citizenship or passport you had, cuz nobody had 'em anyhow. Changing citizenship was as easy as declaring it, but if you didn't you were presumed to be a citizen of whatever country you lived in...now the beaurocracy has risen to primacy and the letter of the law is unassailable.
Let's hope in the future the individual regains some rights from the mindless beaurocracy which should be serving and not being served. A universal right should be to move to whereve one wishes and know that the government is there to serve them, not the other way around.

[Gasparilla]

10:52 AM on 07/12/2009

The idea that citizenship and passports are some new phenomenom is ridiculous.

[generationyes]

12:45 PM on 07/12/2009

The comment you are responding to is thoughtful and interesting, and delivered in good faith. The least you can do is provide some substance and not just p!ss on it. (I admit that quite a lot of comments especially by the booboisie require a good blast, but this is not one of them.)

[WilliePilgrim]

09:21 AM on 07/12/2009

I hope this visit serves as a lesson to Africa to reject the racist religion of the Muslims and Europeans who used their theology to entice African tribes to sell one another into slavery, and continue to cow them into abdicating their reason for the irrational beliefs that continue to enslave them psychologically.

[ArcEnCiel]

10:36 AM on 07/12/2009

The history of africans selling their own is untrue; a victor's version of events... Obama's Ghana speech was flawed, after bowing to the saudis who behead people every Friday, and praising Mubarak in Cairo who is anything but a democrat, it was painful to watch him lecture africans. After all, all the "strong men" in power in Africa have western backing aside Mugabe who has recently fallen out of grace and Al Bashir of Sudan and just maybe,the Eritrean president. It is also untrue that most african countries have been indepent for more than half a century. Who toppled Lumumba? Who ever did it is responsible for the boodshed in the African great lake region. Obama apologise every where but in Africa and to Africans; makes one wonder...

Why do we have to send aid to africans? Why can't we just trade with them if we really care about them?

[Gasparilla]

10:46 AM on 07/12/2009

What is untrue is saying that Africans did not sell other Africans. It's clearly and completely documented.

[POLINUT]

08:28 AM on 07/12/2009

Finally. Though it does not go far enough, it is comforting to see a very rare Presidential acknowledgment of the suffering endured by so many.

The Holocaust reminders are everywhere as if that was the first, worst, and last such experience. I recently visited the memorial in DC and was amazed at how much even the worst days pale in quantity and scope in comparison to the Black experience, yet receives so much attention and never-ending reminders and observances.

When will it be Blacks'/African-Americans' turn?

[YewNeekId]

08:57 AM on 07/12/2009

Our history is important, but try living in the present time. It can be so much more fulfilling than wrapping yourself in the sadness of something that didn't happen to you or to anybody that you know.

Blacks were sold into slavery. Chinese were coolies. Cubans were endentured servants. Jews died by the millions at the hands on the Germans. Over one million Irish starved to death and another million were forced to leave their country. Native Americans had everything stolen from them. Black people kept Native American slaves. Japanese Americans had everything taken and were imprisoned during WWII. And on and on.....

All people have a sad history to look back on. But we can't change the past - only the present.

[bonniebw50]

12:47 PM on 07/12/2009

You should check your history the Native Americans keep black people as SLAVES

[dedan]

03:54 PM on 07/13/2009

Time is not a linear phenomena, but a living and dynamic integrated and reciprocating event. The present is impregnated with the resonance of the past as the future will be impregnated with the resonance of the present. That is why it is important not to live in the past but to use it as a reference in order not to repeat its mistakes as well as to heal the lingering effects that it continues to impact upon the present. By intelligently utilizing the brilliance of historical memory to reflect upon the truth of the past without blame, but in order to guide us to a sustainable and healthy future for our children and future generations. Denial, blame and petty bickering won't get us there, but focus on truth, forgiveness and healing can provide the potential for transcending the wounds of the past and creating a safe world for the future.

[ItHadToBeSaid]

10:33 AM on 07/12/2009

Polinut,

As someone so aptly said, "You can't know where you're going until you know from whence you've come." Its important for SO many reasons. Our children -- Bl. ack children -- need to know our history and far too many don't. They hear about Dr. King, Rosa Parks, and delight in getting a day out of school, but they need to learn our ENTIRE history, the context, and how it affects our Today, because it most assuredly will affect their Tomorrows.

Additionally, your point about the ever-present reminders of the Hol. ocaust is well-taken. It seems that everyone is willing to show reverence, pay homage, express empathy for that atrocity, as they should. But when Bl. ack Americans reference our 'Hol. ocaust' -- our atrocity -- it is dismissed with cries from wh. ite people to, "Get over it already!" And its wrong. Just wrong.

To add insult to injury, few will acknowledge that the effects of slavery are STILL present today. I was so glad when then-candidate Obama pointed it out in his "Race Speech" in April 2008. He described how one result of slavery is its impact on Bl. ack Americans' lack of economic power. Of course, there are other effects that are equally worthy of discussion, but my point is the same as yours -- the Bl. ack experience ought to be held in the same esteem and viewed with the same reverence as our Je. wish brothers' Hol. ocaust.

[Stables]

12:00 PM on 07/12/2009

unfortunately most African Americans are only able to track back our heritage only a couple generation most of us will never know which countries or continents our family 's spawned from

[TanzaniteDiamonds]

05:08 PM on 07/12/2009

"Of course, there are other effects that are equally worthy of discussion..."

If ONLY this could be worthy of discussion with you. There are SO many things about the atrocities of history that can be discussed, and we need to continue to learn from some of the horrors the past. History of ALL races is, indeed, very important.

But your constant condescending and insulting remarks to posters -- not just myself -- on a lot of other threads, makes me want to scream "Get Over It!" to YOU. Not because I don't acknowledge or appreciate black history, but because your instant judgment and constant criticism of others, makes you lack tremendous credibility.

Besides, it's not ALL whites who say "Get Over It". Listen to the Honorable James David Manning, Ph.D. (a black man), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmPfSIZWwKs&feature=related

If you want your Black experience to be held in any kind of "esteem", keep in mind that it's about your behavior, not just your skin color. But you're too busy, playing that race card. Scratch that. Not just one race card! The whole GD deck!!!

I'm so glad I have black friends, who don't act like you do. Some of whom, have stayed at my house for the weekend, with their spouses on past vacations. We have great times together! (How many whites have stayed at your house for the weekend?) You could learn from my wonderful black friends.

Take your whining elsewhere.

[KaluMa]

08:16 AM on 07/12/2009

I think the mention of the church standing behind the fortress is a reminder of how today the church seems to pick and choose what to support. There is a right to life movement but a pro war agenda and or silence about ongoing wars. There is anti stem cell research, yet not much talk about helping poor people which really was Jesus' agenda. Even today, children and girls from Africa are still being taken away through the new slavery called human trafficking and I have yet to hear the church take a stand on that. Is there something wrong with this picture. But if you visit a planned parenthood, church supporters will call you names, ridicule you, and possibly attack.

[4peace]

08:54 AM on 07/12/2009

Well said.

[raye1]

09:47 AM on 07/12/2009

You would be shocked but not suprised to know that the symbol of the Vatican is right at the gated entrance before you enter the castle. I shocked me to the soles of my feet!

[akkadian]

06:04 AM on 07/12/2009

I seem to remember that the first English slaver, the Jesus, sponsored by QE1, among others, was 'blessed' by the Archbishop before setting out on its maiden voyage.
No doubt it made a healthy profit for the interested parties.
The Church, far from standing by or tolerating, was complicit in slavery, they provided the 'moral' justification for slavery, i.e. slaves had no souls, therefore they could not be regarded as human, therefore slave owners were committing no sins against humanity.
Today the Anglican Church holds millions of shares issued by weapons manufacturers.
Change, what change?

[Stables]

05:59 AM on 07/12/2009

Wow, those girls are kinda young to be exposed to that(slave castle), seeing the church in the center, then those small dark and distraught dungeons which were once filled with tortured and terrorized human souls. Trauma which still plagues not only the descendants of those who endured it but all of mankind. Still today us weak pitiful human beings are complicit with the trauma endured by children all across this beautiful planets. SMH and sheds 2 tears.

[jbs902]

01:51 PM on 07/12/2009

No they are not. That is America's problem the great "hide the details under the rug mentality". Then someone learns the truth in a nonsupportive atmosphere and it is TRAUMATIC. What is your problem with the Church being the center? History is history. "Those who don't know their history are bound to repeat it" Benjamin Franklin

[Dustee]

03:00 AM on 07/12/2009

I can see that the President is profoundly touched.

[tisfilm]

02:13 AM on 07/12/2009

If you don't accept then move on.
When I don't accept Bush became president.
I said move on and see what did Bush done!
MOVE ON!

[phylliscooper1]

02:01 AM on 07/12/2009

I have read and learned that slavery has existed in all nations and societies, but what I have failed to understand is why the prevalence and level of cruelty has been higher among the anglo saxon/caucasian groups of people.

[AnnoyedCanuck]

03:04 AM on 07/12/2009

I don't think you're correct. All the great civilizations in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East kept and traded slaves. The Egyptians kept slaves for thousands of years. The Persians, the Hittites, the Etruscans - all kept slaves, for centuries. So did the Aztecs and the Incas. Slavery was NOT unique to European/Western empires, in nature or severity.

[phylliscooper1]

03:41 AM on 07/12/2009

Thank you for the additional information. I understand that by definition a slave does not have self determination and is property of the slave owner. But in some societys slaves are, dehumanized, considered as a percentage of a human, souless, not worthy to maintain contact with their spouses, children or parents. It cannot be more cruel.

[duxguts]

01:56 AM on 07/12/2009

Will he visit the other seaside fortress, GITMO!!

[joe360]

12:06 AM on 07/12/2009

graphic are you black

[goodtomeetyou]

12:23 AM on 07/12/2009

No, but he plays one on the internet.

[dct1999]

12:29 AM on 07/12/2009

LMAO, good one.

[ECB]

12:24 AM on 07/12/2009

She is just igno*ra*nt.

[rhondadavis28]

11:35 PM on 07/11/2009

it is unfortunate that racism still occurs despite all the blood spread way too many decades

ans prejudice evil people still spreading evil words

damn shame

god bless our president for his leadership

[Collielady]

11:35 PM on 07/11/2009

The church didn't just "tolerate and stand by" the evil, nor was it "doing good". That church, in fact, all organized religion was complicit in slavery, as clearly outlined in the Old Testament. There would never have been slavery throughout history without the blessings of religion.

I wouldn't be at all surprised to stand where Obama stood, knowing that a church once stood there above the dungeons. That, Mr. President, IS the history of religion. Let's not continue to allow the rewriting of that uncomfortable history.

[Weirdwriter]

12:50 AM on 07/12/2009

Hmmm. So, because there have been people throughout history who pretended that slavery was OK with God, that means that no followers of any religion had anything to do with the fight against it?

No religious abolitionists, just righteous atheists.

What twaddle. Your lack of quality education should embarass you as much as the incredible ignorance and bigotry it exposes.

[pissedmichael]

01:30 AM on 07/12/2009

And you just revealed your lack of education, as evidenced by your apparent eagerness to insult. The post was making a general point about religion and was entirely correct--and, she managed to do it without the use of one insult.
Anyone with a decent high school education would know both sides of this issue, it's not that exclusive. All you have to do is read a book now and then. Yet, you claim this 'knowledge' like it was all your own, like a novel and new concept. What exactly was your 'quality education?'
All I really read in your response was an eagerness to display a mental superiority you may want to reconsider having. Try writing with less hostility and condescension. It's takes a little practice, but it is possible to make your points another way.

[Bubba Gump]

01:15 AM on 07/12/2009

I don't know about "the church" but Christians haven't always sat on the sidelines. Look at the example of William Wilberforce, a Christian and politician of the early 1800's who led the fight for the abolition of slavery in the British Empire.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Wilberforce

[carolinhouston]

02:06 AM on 07/12/2009

Consider the Quakers and other Christian groups who risked their lives, freedom and fortunes to help free slaves and to fight for abolition.