From 1759-1787, eleven voyages are documented, bringing approximately 2,000 enslaved Africans directly from the African continent to North Carolina’s shores. This does not include the many lives lost on board these vessels prior to disembarking in North Carolina’s ports. These vessels illustrate the direct relationship between the African continent and the development of the institution of slavery within North Carolina.
https://aahc.nc.gov/programs/africa-carolina-0
Africa to Carolina is a descendant-informed initiative that invites broad participation in both memorial design and storytelling. Arts workshops centered on descendant voices include PhD student Tyanna Parker-West (my oldest daughter) of North Carolina State University. While the co-creation process welcomed input from people of all backgrounds—across sectors, lived experiences, and racial identities—the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission (NCAAHC) created community spaces for dialogue and commemoration.
This is so much more than the story of the unveiling of a statue. This is the story of a family history being remembered and rewritten for the first time.
This journey (for our family) started with my oldest daughter (Tyanna West) wanting to know more about her family. She is currently pursuing a PhD in History at NC State and is swiftly becoming synonymous with Gullah Geechee cultural knowledge in North Carolina. Because of her passion, she sat at the feet of her grandfather and learned the history of our family. The culmination of that relationship was heavy with the unveiling of this statue.
On July 16, 2026, we made our way to Ft. Anderson State Historic Site in Brunswick County, which is just yards away from the location where our enslaved ancestors disembarked one of those ships, for the unveiling of a statue which was more than public art to us. It was more than public art to us because my second daughter and her daughter were two of the models for the statue.
As I walked toward the pavilion, I could see the statue; I recognized my daughter’s face, and I started crying.
At that moment, I accepted my elevation to Elder.
To everyone else gathered there, it was the unveiling of the Africa to Carolina Public Art Installation. To me, it was the realization that it is time for me to move on out of the way and let the next generation step forward.
Now, before you clutch your pearls, this is not a bad thing.
Our lives move in seasons. My season of being the one to do is shape-shifting into me being the one to offer wisdom and guidance. That’s what elders do. I, like many of us, have been getting hints for years, but I was like that river in Egypt. Denial.
Not being willing to move from the doer to the advisor is what has all of our institutions jacked up. To everything there is a season. It is okay to let seasons end. Back to what this moment meant to our family, and to our ancestors. Not just mine. Ours.
Music has always been a big part of our family life. My grandmother started playing the piano for the church at the age of 12. She took the job over from her mother. My mother was a music major. By the time my siblings and I were in school, we could each hold down a counterpart, so we were singing in three-part harmony by the time I was in elementary school. So, it would stand to reason that music would help me identify the residual emotion I’m experiencing after the unveiling/ Elder Elevation Ceremony.
To see the past, present, and future crystallize in one moment is not something that every life experiences. To experience it with 3 generations of my family present was an honor. But to have my daughter and my granddaughter be the moment…honoring the sacrifices and strength that allowed our ancestors to survive so that we could be here standing in the present with my grandchildren representing the future of our bloodline…a true Sankofa moment.
I find myself between “Black Butterfly” (Deniece Williams) and “If I Could” (Regina Bell). These two songs helped me identify that this moment is the past and present, having a conversation, and then the present speaking into the future.
THE PRESENT SAYS TO THE PAST: Morning light, Silken dream take flight
As the darkness gives way to the dawn. You've survived, now your moment has arrived
Now your dream has finally been born.
THE PAST SAYS TO THE PRESENT: Oh, while you slept, the promise was unkept,
but your faith was as sure as the stars. Now you're free, and the world has come to see
just how proud and beautiful you are.
THE PAST & PRESENT SPEAK TO THE FUTURE: Black butterfly, sail across the waters; tell your sons and daughters what the struggle brings. Black butterfly, set the skies on fire, rise up even higher, so the wind can catch your wings. Let the current lift your heart and send it soaring. Write your timeless message clear across the skies. So that all of us can read it and remember when we need it
That a dream conceived in truth can never die…
But then the past steps behind the present, and nudges the present forward like a parent with a reluctant child.
THE PRESENT SPEAKS INTO THE FUTURE:
If I could, I would teach you all the things I’ve never learned, and I’d help you cross the bridges that I’ve burned. Yes, I would. If I could, I would try to shield your innocence from time, but the part of life I gave you isn’t mine. I’ll watch you grow so I can let you go…
That’s what this moment was for me. A Moment of Sankofa between “Black Butterfly” and “If I Could”. The future looks bright! Not just for my family. For all of us.
“Black Butterfly” Songwriters: Duke Ellington / Irving Mills / Ben Carruthers
“If I Could” Songwriters: Ron Miller / Marti Sharron / Kenny Hirsch
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