Congressman for the state of Georgia in the United State of America, John Lewis says America is better in the aftermath of the slave trade 400 years ago where Africans were sent overseas to serve as slaves on plantations.
“At the age of eighteen I met Martin Luther King Junior and we started studying the way of peace, the way of love, spreading the philosophy and discipline of non-violence,” the congressman for Georgia said.
“And to the Chief, I thank you for allowing us to come to your town, we are honoured to be here,” Congressman John Lewis said.
According to the Georgia State representative, during the era of slave trade, blacks were not allowed to mingle with the white community adding that today America is better.
“Hundreds and thousands of black people were not allowed to register and vote at the time,” he said.
“But America is better, America is much better,” he explained.
The Congressman who was part of a delegation led by Nancy Pelosi, the 52nd speaker of the US House of representative met the Chiefs and People of Ogua Traditional Area as part of the “Year of Return” an annual event where African Americans in the diaspora visit Ghana to have a better understanding of the happenings of the slave trade.
Congressman John Lewis explained that the likes of Martin Luther King Junior, Kwame Nkrumah among others who preached peace and non-violence refined America.
“The likes of Martin Luther King Junior, Kwame Nkrumah inspired me,” Congressman John Lewis said.
On his part, the Chief of Ogua Traditional Area Osabarima Kwesi Atta II also urged members of the African American community who are in authority to use their various positions to make life better for Africans.
“The only way we can put the era of colonialism behind us is to bring development to the African continent,” Osabarima Kwesi Atta II said.
The delegation from the United States led by Nancy Pelosi visited the Elmina Castle, the Cape Coast Castle and the Ogua Traditional Palace to interact with traditional leaders.
Some members of the delegation included House Majority Whip, James Clyburn, Congressman Bobby Rush, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman Barbara Lee, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke.
The rest are Congressman Hank Johnson, Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, Congresswoman Keren Bass, Congresswoman Terri Sewell, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.
Calvis Tetteh | citinewsroom.com | Ghana
