Personal Statement

I was part of Middle Passage Ceremonies and Port Markers Project many, many years ago, when it was only an idea, an intention . . . when it didn’t even have a name.  Back then, I promised my sister, Ann Chinn, that once I retired I would help her with the work of honoring our African ancestors.  Even though I wasn’t quite sure how this idea would take shape or what it would entail, I was committed.  During the years that followed, my awareness of our African ancestors and the importance of honoring them continued to grow.  Each day, I realized a little more clearly the role the ancestors play in my life, the lives of my children and grandchildren, my family, and my community . . . how since the beginning of time they have moved in and out of this dimension, moving my blood line and the blood lines of my people forward, guiding us, opening doors for us, intervening on our behalf . . . strong, enduring, constant, protective, patient, generous, forgiving, brave, awesome.  As my understanding of their presence as a real and powerful energy in my life has evolved, I have become aware of the depth of my gratitude and recognize the importance of giving thanks, serving, and honoring them.

In 2012, after the Project had incorporated in 2011 and I had retired, I accepted my position on the Executive Board, and since then there has been no turning back.  My commitment to the mission of MPCPMP has been quite the journey and has given me the opportunity to work with local communities at Middle Passage arrival sites to acknowledge these children, women, and men and the sacrifices they made for us.  Working with this Project and the descendants of these mighty Africans at these locations across the nation has inspired me to “reach back and draw them into me . . . for at this moment, I am the whole reason they have existed at all” (Cinque).  Everything I do for the Project, even the smallest task, is a form of acknowledgement, a way of serving and giving thanks, a way of asking for their help and their continued presence in our lives.  This is why it is an honor for me to serve on the Executive Board of this organization. Ase.