Peace and blessings,

We are back from our two week tour of Ghana and I have so much to say and share with you.  If I start talking now, I may not stop so I will be brief this week but I will be sharing longer and more personal stories on my Personal Facebook page as well as my Blogsite.  I also have many online albums where you can go to see some of the photos so send me a personal email if you would like to see those.

Ghana was incredibly beautiful for me.  The journey was very spiritual and I found a connection I have never experienced before.  The people are so nice and genuine; the food is awesome; the weather was beautiful; and the group I traveled with was perfect.  We covered four regions, met with many who have repatriated, and spent quality time with those in need -- such as the students at Youth Institute for Science and Technology and the orphans at Trinity Home Foundation.  We learned a lot visiting places like the W E B Du Bois Center, George Padmore Library, and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra and the Elmina and Cape Coast Dungeons where our ancestors suffered under horrific conditions.  We met many new friends, started a new network of people who are really serious about doing business in Africa, and we also took time out to have fun by doing social events.  While I was on the canopy walk at the Kakum National Park, the word BALANCE kept playing in my head as I was confronting my fear of heights.  I insist on balance in my personal life, and I am thrilled to say that the two weeks spent in Ghana was balanced.  I am back and happier than I have ever been, I feel a new sense of purpose, and I am thankful that I am one of the people who have been fortunate to visit (now) three countries in Africa.  As my friend, Heru says, "Africa is special."  Indeed it is.  The journey continues.

Just want to say thanks again to our fearless leader, Bomani Tyehimba for taking 100 of us over to Ghana in 5 years.  That is a MAJOR accomplishment but we need those numbers to increase by leaps and bounds so link Africa for the Africans if you would like to go on their October 2011 tour.  Link me if you would like to go in 2012.  I guarantee that a trip to Ghana will change your life and your outlook on life.

The Blessing of my African Name at One Africa Ghana

Welcome to August.  The month began with Emancipation Day celebrations around the world on August 1 and Jamaica will celebrate their 49th Independence on August 6.  There will be events in Jamaica and all around the USA to mark Jamaica's 49th Independence.  In my area, the Embassy of Jamaica, Jamaican Association of Maryland, and Jamaican Nationals Association will have a church service, and Independence Galas on August 6, 7 and 13.  If you are Jamaican or a friend of a Jamaican, please make every effort to attend one of these events.  See Events Section below for fliers and click HERE for more information.

Speaking of Jamaica, congratulations to Jamaica's 2011 festival winner, David Pessoa on his entry "Oh If We."   Click HERE to read the Jamaica Observer article.  Congratulations to the new Miss Caribbean Metro DC, Stefanie Belnavis who is the first Jamaican winner in the history of the five year pageant.  Click HERE to read an article from Carivibez TV.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: One way to get the most out of life is to look upon it as an adventure. William Feather

Happy to be writing to you again,

Yaa Gyasi Peppy Parke

Creative Director

Peppy Entertainment & Promotions