Traveling through the Transatlantic Slave Trade route often brings up heavy emotions and feelings of sorrow among travelers – yet it can also serve as an important reminder of our history, and how it has shaped the experiences of all African-Americans today. Through heritage tours of remembrance, visitors can gain insight into the lasting effects of the slave trade and take an important journey of self-discovery.
1) Uncovering the History of the Transatlantic Slave Trade
The Transatlantic Slave Trade was responsible for the displacement of millions of Africans and their suffering during their voyage, and it had a lasting impact on the culture of the United States. Uncovering the history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade is not an easy task, as it is a complex and difficult topic. However, exploring the history of this dark period may enlighten our understanding of how we came to where we are today.
Understanding African perspectives: While much of the literature on this topic explores the motivations of those who conducted this trade, it is important to also consider the African perspective. Being familiar with African perspectives can help fill in some of the gaps that have been left out of the narrative that is typically taught in the West.
- African oral histories have been preserved in books and interviews by scholars such as John Thornton and Kwame Anthony Appiah.
- Many African scholars, such as Ama Mazama, have written extensively about the effects of the Transatlantic Slave Trade on African societies, economies, and cultures.
Ties between commerce and slavery: It is important to explore the economic, social, and political forces that drove the Transatlantic Slave Trade. It is known that commerce played a large role, but it is also important to understand the ways in which slavery became entwined with the global economy during this period.
- The fact that slavery was seen as a part of business and had the backing of powerful European countries such as England, Spain, and Portugal, helped to normalize and legitimate slavery in the eyes of the public.
- Exploring how the profits from slavery were used to fund development of the New World will give us a better understanding of how this period was shaped.
Exploring this dark history has the potential to give us new insights into our current social and economic structures. Taking the time to thoughtfully uncover the origins of the Transatlantic Slave Trade can help us to better understand the present and future.
2) Visiting Sites of Remembrance and Reflection
Visiting sites of remembrance and reflection are an important way to pay respects to those that have passed. Remembering our loved ones will help us to cope with the desolation of loss and keep their memory alive.
Places of memory are often those that are associated with the deceased and have profound emotional significance. The location itself can be meaningful and poignant to those who visit. Places of reflection come in all shapes and sizes but often have a common factor – they can provide an outlet for those mourning.
Paying your respects can be done in a variety of ways, from:
- Lighting a candle as a symbol of hope and peace
- Writing a letter to communicate with the deceased or express your grief
- Organizing a memorial event that celebrates the life of the deceased
Visiting a site of remembrance or reflection can be a deeply personal experience and can help those that are grieving to connect with the deceased. Taking the time and effort to pay respects to the memory of a loved one can be an invaluable way to honor them.
3) Exploring a New Wave of Heritage Tours
In recent years, an exciting new wave of heritage tours have gained immense attraction among travelers. These tours take tourists on journeys through historically and culturally rich regions, filled with fascinating experiences.
Here are top three types of heritage tours trending today:
- Cultural tours: These tours focus on immersing tourists in the local culture and art forms. From traditional musicians to ethnic cuisines, cultural tours provide unique insight into people and their practices.
- Heritage walks: Common in major cities, heritage walks often incorporate shared cultural heritage, folklore, and mythologies. It’s a platform for locals to gain knowledge on their ancestors and for tourists to understand the history of a certain place.
- Spiritual tours: These tours involve journey through diverse faith traditions. Tourists get to explore various pilgrimage sites, participate in cultural ceremonies, and meet religious leaders. Spiritual tours are a great opportunity to gain knowledge and have a spiritual awakening.
Exploring a new wave of heritage tours can be a great way to infuse vacation time with learning. Travelers get to experience authentic cultures, gain a better understanding of history, and open themselves to spiritual growth.
4) Making Connections Across the Atlantic
The Atlantic Ocean is a vast expanse of water that connects two continents. For centuries, people have used the ocean to travel from one side of the world to the other. People have made important connections across the Atlantic for centuries, from European settlers arriving in the New World to the post-war immigration of people from around the world. Here are just some of the ways the Atlantic Ocean has been used to make connections:
- Exploration: Explorers have been crossing the Atlantic for centuries, from Christopher Columbus and his famous voyage of discovery to the more modern exploration of the ocean’s depths by scientists.
- Colonization: The Atlantic has been a key route for European colonization of the Americas since the 15th century.
- Trade: The steady flow of goods and services across the Atlantic has had a huge economic impact throughout history.
- Migration: Movement of people to the Americas and Europe has been a constant theme throughout the centuries.
The impact of these connections made with the help of the Atlantic Ocean is still felt in the modern world. The multinational influence of Europe and the Americas has been shaped by the peoples that traversed this great body of water, making connections and leaving their mark that can still be seen today.
The Atlantic won’t stop being a major connection between the two sides of the world anytime soon. Even with today’s advanced technology making travel and communication easier, the ocean remains a major factor in connecting people and cultures from both sides of the Atlantic.
5) Joining the Movement of Heritage Preservation
The preservation of heritage is something that takes work and commitment. If you’re looking to make a difference in preserving the cultures and histories of the past, here’s what you can do:
- Read, research, and study: Engaging with the materials available is the best way to engage with heritage preservation. Online resources, public libraries, and archival sites are a great place to begin your exploration.
- Tell the stories: Spreading the truth of life and culture experienced by those who lived before us is a key aspect to heritage preservation. Storytelling is an essential skill in this process.
- Participate in Heritage events: Participate in activities that honor the heritage of the people before us or groups in your area. Get involved in ways to celebrate that provide a glimpse of known histories and lost tales.
- Support preservation efforts: Financial donations to registered preservation organizations are invaluable. Results can be astounding. From funding archaeological digs, to restoring ancient artifacts to host international events, these organizations need your support!
Although preservation can be a daunting task, the steps you take, as individuals, to help keep our past alive can have monumental impacts. Join the movement of heritage preservation today and shape your future.
We must never forget the atrocities of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, and taking a Heritage Tour of Remembrance can be one way of honoring those who were subject to it. Let us never forget, but instead, use their stories to shape a better tomorrow.
