Table of Contents
Introduction
I visited the Kunta Kinteh Island in The Gambia in 2022, and it was deep and painful. It was a heavy day where I cried. Like the silent cries. I’m usually a crier anyway but this was a different type of emotional travel day for me.
The island was formerly known as James Island, and at one point, then St Andrew’s Island. The Gambian Government then later called it Kunta Kinteh Islands due to its connection with Kunta Kinteh, the famous Gambian ancestor whose story was told in Roots.
This Island played a huge role in the transatlantic slave trade, and I knew I just had to visit. What I didn’t realise was how much it would affect me. If you get the chance to go, please do. Our history lives here and should be told from generation to generation.
Related pots: A Perfect Travel Guide for The Gambia: What to Do, Eat & More
What & Where Is Kunta Kinteh Island?
Kunta Kinteh Island is located in the River Gambia and was used as one of the main holding grounds for enslaved Africans, before they were shipped to either America or Great Britain. Although the land is deteriorating due to coastal erosion.
The ruins still stand, the cell blocks, colonial walls the history still remains. You can walk through what’s left and imagine what once happened here.
My Personal Reflection
I wanted to do this island justice, but I don’t think I could ever capture the magnitude of what has happened to our community. The history, the suffering buries still so deep within our DNA.
Travelling to Africa to learn about this history for myself was a start. The history that is often untold or forced to be forgotten. I’m glad I was able to stand here and learn about it and really take it in.
It brought up so many emotions for me. Sadness. Pride. Connection. As well as deep healing.
The tour guide explained how African slaves were captured, where they stayed and how they were kept. What really resonated with me was that the guard said something that stayed with me. He said that we can forgive, but we will never forget.
“We can forgive, but we can never forget” – Kimo, Tour Guide
We was also able to meet the family of Kunta Kinteh, which really helped solidify the whole day for me. It was so important for me to learn about this history and I am so glad that I have and continue to make the effort to travel to Africa and learn its history. It’s important to me. It keeps me grounded. Answers so many questions as someone born and raised in the UK. The history on this continent is deep and still lingers in the modern world we live in today.
Visiting Tips for Kunta Kinteh Island
- Book through a trusted tour operator.
- The island is reached by boat, so prepare for a bit of a ride
- Wear comfortable shoes there’s a lot of walking involved.
- Bring water, sunscreen, and an open heart ready to learn dark history.
Final Views
How much of our history do we actually know? I’ve always been fascinated with history, because I feel like it holds stories on what is not spoken about even today.
Growing up in the UK, we learn so much about the history of the Western world, but rarely about the deep history of Africa the Caribbean with colonialism and slavery.
Related post: Growing Up As a British Nigerian Woman
So how much are we taught? We travel. Explore.
Going to The Gambia and visiting the Kunta Kinteh Island reminded me of how much history that exists. It gave me a chance to learn and observe history of my community. Of people that look like me. I see why it is so important for me and you to go and see these places for ourselves. It’s not things you can just learn in a textbook, there is beauty and depth in going and seeing it in real life.
If you’re planning a trip to The Gambia, add this to your itinerary. I promise it will stay with you long after you leave. It’s deep and so necessary.
If you’re planning to explore Africa, especially The Gambia, save this post for your future trip.
Our stories matter, and we deserve to learn them first hand. Have you seen the tragic Kunta Kinte film?
Happy Black History Month,
Adebola MBV X
