By Cecilia Aryee
Ghana’s National Museum was adorned with colourful artworks exhibited by African American artists. The exhibition, dubbed “Sticking Cultures Together,” aims to reconnect with the African continent and the diaspora and celebrating the rich cultural heritage that binds us as a continent. This happened on September 24, 2024.
Exhibition organizers, Carole Gary Staples and Lorna Johnson highlighted the strong bond between Ghana and African Americans resulting from the transatlantic slave trade.
They emphasized Ghana’s historical role as a sanctuary for African Americans seeking to trace their roots, leading to the creation of this initiative to explore their heritage and foster a sense of belonging.
Speaking at the event, US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, also emphasized that the exhibition has the potential to unite Ghanaians and American quilters, sharing experiences and fostering creativity.
“We are stitched together by a shared history and values, – that’s what makes us one,” she remarked.
Director of the National Museum, Kingsley Ofosu Ntiamoah highlighted the initiative’s role in forging lasting bonds between Ghanaian and diasporic communities.
“One of the ways of bringing our brothers and sisters from the diaspora back home is through proper collaboration and as part of that we have collaborated to have this wonderful exhibition”.
By bridging cultural divides, this exhibition inspires a new appreciation for the artistry and resilience of African American quilt makers.