Africa-Press – Ghana. Mr. Benjamin Crump, a renowned American civil rights attorney, has honoured five iconic African activists by adding their names to the Diaspora Africa Forum Mission’s Sankofa Wall in Accra.
The honourees, including Airman Roger Fortson, Henrietta Lacks, Papa Renty Taylor, Dalia Taylor, and Sonya Massey, were victims of racial injustice in the United States.
Their names join those of leaders, academicians, activists, and family members who aspired to the African dream but never experienced Ghanaian soil.
Mr. Crump, leading a high-level delegation focused on Pan-African unity, diaspora collaboration, and global justice, said the visit aimed to build partnerships advancing global justice, reparative development, and shared prosperity for people of African descent.
He recounted Henrietta Lacks’ tragic death from ovarian cancer, during which she was treated inhumanely.
Despite her suffering, her cells became the first to survive outside the human body, revolutionising medical advancements.
“Papa Renty Taylor, born around 1775 in Congo, was a proud African who taught himself and other slaves to read despite laws against it,” he said.
Mr. Crump described the dehumanising treatment of Papa Renty and his daughter, Delia, who were stripped, groped, and photographed in a degrading manner.
On Sonya Massey, he said she was fatally shot in her kitchen by a police officer after calling 911 for help.
Her family secured justice, making her the first Black woman in Illinois to hold an officer accountable.
Mr. Crump added that Airman Roger Fortson was wrongfully shot three times in his apartment due to racial prejudice.
He emphasised the importance of saving Black lives globally, stating, “If we continue to honor the diaspora, we can prevent future occurrences, by following our mission, course, and building greater unity in the diaspora of black people across the globe.”
Mr. Crump praised Ambassador Dr. Erieka Bennett, Head of Mission at DAF, for her commitment to strengthening ties between Africa and the diaspora.
He encouraged Africans in the diaspora to reconnect with the continent.
“If you cannot return physically, it is very important that we return mentally and psychologically with intelligence,” he said.
Ambassador Bennett noted that all 54 African Union heads of state now recognised the importance of including the diaspora in Africa’s development.
She noted that this recognition was a testament to ongoing efforts to ensure no one is left behind, even those who have passed.
Ambassador Bennett recalled that the Sankofa Wall was established in 2007, around the same time the DAF was founded, and has since grown significantly.
She highlighted the names of ancestors inscribed on the wall—some who made it to Africa, others who aspired to but never arrived, and others who, in the spirit of Sankofa, may not have considered coming yet had a deep desire in their hearts.
“So, we are very happy today that you will be part of this illustrious wall restoration, to be able to honor and recognize these ancestors whose names should also be mentioned with reverence,” she said.
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