From Baba Asa to Auntie Cynthia: When (Re)Membering Ghana Brings You Full Circle

• In Event: Before We Were Whole: (Re)Membering Our Lives in Ghana, West Africa

Abstract

In this spoken word performance, I narrate lessons learned from being mentored by and exploring the works of Drs. Asa Grant Hilliard, III (Nana Baffour Amankwatia) and Cynthia Dillard (Nana Mansa II of Mpeasem, Ghana, West Africa) and explore how this mentoring shaped me as an educator and teacher educator. Specifically, I trace the history of my interaction with each scholar and identify influential parallel connections in their contentions regarding African identity and education. In highlighting the influences of each scholar, I credit Dr. Hilliard with prompting my awakening and Dr. Dillard with prompting my healing as I (re)membered, accessed cultural memory, and grew as an African ascendent educator.

Author

• Qiana M. Cutts, Mississippi State University