GHANA; THROUGH THE LENS OF ‘QUEEN V’

2019 marks 400 years since the first slave ship left the shores of West Africa. Ghana remains a focal point of the Trans-Atlantic Slave trade. This year, there has been an influx of African Americans who are seeking to reconnect with their roots. Miss Victoria Williams also known as “Queen V” carved a niche for herself as one of the dominant travel figures in the global tourism industry. She has a unique travel experience across 4 continents. We spoke to her about her trip to Ghana, her experiences and lessons.

Can you tell us about yourself? 

My name is Victoria "Queen V" Williams, I am a mid-thirties African American woman residing in Los Angeles, CA (USA). I am a professional with a background in public relations & business affairs, in the marketing & communications space. In my free time through the "Queen V Experience" I enjoy organizing group cultural experiences for black millennials to vibrant destinations (Havana, South Africa, Colombia, Lisbon, Paris, Madrid & more) where they get off the beaten path, provide impact & engage with others. 

How difficult was it for you organizing this trip to Ghana? 

It was not difficult at all, with the excitement of Year of Return it was a joy to visit Accra & Cape Coast. Lots of information available through the Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghanaian Facebook Groups & overall thorough research on my end for my clients to get them aware of the visa requirements, amazing accommodations, events. In preparation for the trip, I prepared a multi-page "Queen V trip guide" for Ghana so that my clients were as prepared to deep dive into the fufu, Afrobeats & amazing experience. 

How many tourists did you bring to Ghana? 

Several clients visited Ghana on the 2019 Queen V Experience in August 2019 and based on this trip's success interest is building for a return visit in the near future. 

How long was your vacation to Ghana? 

One week - August 22 - 29, 2019

What were your perspectives on Ghana before your arrival? 

My view of Ghana was a vibrant destination with tons of cultural pride.

What expectations did you have for this trip? 

One of my key objectives for this trip was getting the opportunity to see first-hand the trans-Atlantic journey of many African American's ancestors. 

 Were your expectations met? 

Yes, and exceeded. 

In your view, is it important for every African American to make that journey back to the motherland? 

A blessed reminder of African American's greatness, infusion of cultural pride, and connection to the motherland, specifically in Ghana. 

What are some of the things that caught your attention? Key highlights of your visit? 

ChaleWote Festival, eating fresh pineapples in Osu, the emotional journey as the first in my lineage to "return" through the Door of No Return, having an amazing rainbow print coat made by young women seamstresses, facing my fear of heights on the Kakum canopy walk, grooving to Ghanaian & Motown soul jams at +233 jazz, horseback riding after brunch at Labadi Beach and cooking chicken jollof with an amazing woman named Auntie Felicity. 

How was the Chalewote Art festival experience? 

Fun! The incredible artists, youth playing chess, infectious music, scintillating sounds, jovial crowds. 

Are your clients happy? Did they enjoy the visit? 

Yes, they were happy to get a glimpse into Ghana & look forward future Queen V Experience destinations. 

How did you feel about your trip to the Cape Coast/Elmina castle? 

The journey down the red dirt roads leading up to Cape Coast Castle & Elmina was truly emotional. Hearing the guide recount the incredible strength my ancestors had as they were piled into the inhumane conditions. As the tears streamed down my face, hearing the stories and being able as the first one in my lineage to return through the door of return, dipping my toes into the waters that transported my ancestors to Blenheim, South Carolina (maternal) and Codrington, Barbuda (Eastern Caribbean- Paternal side) was truly grounding & special. 

Did it shape your view on slavery? If Yes, Tell us. 

It further explained the awful aspects of Slavery & its compounding effects on Africans both in the Americas on the continent & throughout the diaspora. Listening to the guide explain about the women's cell and imagining my female relatives enduring that it reminded me to count it all joy - as the hardships & experiences I and other black Americans encounter pale in comparison to the strength our ancestors endured & survived during the Trans-Atlantic slave period. 

 Will you recommend Ghana as a tourist destination to anyone? 

Yes, I have plans on bringing several additional groups of black Americans to experience the Black Star that is Ghana & all of its beautiful hidden cultural gems. 

Will you visit Ghana again soon?

Yes, with my three year visa I look forward to returning "home" in the near future. For those interested in joining the next Queen V Experience join the list by emailing [email protected]

What lessons are you taking with you to America after this trip?

Lessons of perseverance, gratitude, and joy (reigniting my count all joy persona). Everyone I encountered in Ghana has been helpful, welcoming & loving. I cannot wait for my next visit "home", look forward to see Mole National Park, Volta Region, Tema, Prampram and others on the next Queen V Experience to Ghana. 

·       Website: https://about.me/thequeenofconnections

·       Email: [email protected]

·       Instagram: @thequeenofconnections