Cape Coast & Elmina Castles: Reminder of past and guide for the future

Waves crash against the rocks, fishermen ready their boats, children play gleefully and shop-women mind their wares. This is the scene near both Cape Coast and Elmina castles, locations where picturesque beauty belies the evil acts committed there. The horrific tales of these fortresses left a lasting mark on world history and serve as a reminder of humanity's ability to commit evil.

Cape Coast and Elmina castles held thousands of enslaved Africans and were key trading ports during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The history of the castles gives those who tour them a better understanding of the difficult beginning of the slaves' terrible journeys. The castles' histories are rife with examples of great injustices committed against the African people. The descriptions of the condemned cells and the sexual abuses of the African women are especially haunting. The use of the condemned cell as a tool for execution is an especially vile example of the mistreatment the enslaved African peoples faced. The sexual assaults committed by both Dutch and Portuguese officials against innocent African women are also indicative of the complete disregard for basic human dignity.

Despite the disturbing evils committed in these locations, hope and resilience grow amongst the stone. This is shown through the conversion of the "Door of no return" to the "Door of return" at Cape Coast Castle. This important change is an example of Africa's effort to reclaim its identity, liberty and freedom from those who took it. The door stands as both a reminder of the past and as a guide for the future.

The tour guides at Cape Coast Castle speak of the importance of remembering the events that occurred there with a focus on learning from the mistakes committed. The guides explain the importance of uniting as humans, without a focus on race. As the plaque that stands on the walls of both Cape Coast and Elmina Castles reads, “In everlasting memory of the anguish of our ancestors. May those who died rest in peace. May those who return find their roots. May humanity never again perpetuate such injustice against humanity. We the living vow to uphold this.”