How Steve Harvey was enlightened about Africa after visiting slave castles in Ghana [Photos]

Comedian and actor Steve Harvey’s trip to Africa has been an eye-opener and emotional experience he would most likely never forget and forever hold dear considering the stereotypical jokes he once made about the continent.

Currently in Botswana where he will host a networking event at the University of Botswana Indoor Arena on Wednesday, Harvey’s first stop on the continent was Ghana, visiting the West African nation after an invitation by Ghanaian entrepreneur, founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Springfield Group, Kevin Okyere. 

To mark the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in America, the government of Ghana launched the “Year of Return, Ghana 2019” in a quest to encourage African Americans and the black diaspora to return to the country where their ancestors were kidnapped and enslaved.

The yearlong program was launched in September last year by Ghana’s president in the United States with members of the Congressional Black Caucus making it the only centrally organized public-private partnership with an African nation to commemorate the arrival of Africans in the U.S.

During his stay, Harvey, together with his family visited some popular tourist sites including the historic slave castles and dungeons.

After visiting the Elmina and Cape Coast castles, Harvey took to his Instagram to emotionally describe his experience and urge his brothers and sisters to visit the motherland.

In the video that was attached to the post, Harvey could be seen breaking down in tears when he entered the slave cells/dungeons amid the tour guide’s narration of the harrowing experiences the slaves had to endure before making the treacherous and dangerous journey across the Atlantic Ocean.

“This was real pain I felt going back to Ghana’s slave castles…I could feel my ancestors on me… Powerful beyond words that I can explain,” he shared.

“I encourage as many of you as possible to go HOME for your ancestors. Their strength is in each of us and we must honor their ultimate sacrifice in all that we do,” he added.

Take a look at the video below:

Take a look at some more photos and videos of his visit below:

Harvey in Botswana: