American Africans in Ghana: Black Expatriates and the Civil Rights Era Paperback – 25 February 2008

Kevin Gaines provides a detailed, personal but objectively written, history of the motivations, experiences, disappointments, triumps, and contributions of African Americans who went to Ghana in the 1950-80s. Their reasons included seeking a better life away from the oppressive discrimination and second-class citizenship in America or/as well as to participate along with Ghanaians in the building of the post-Independence Ghana. Experiences and visits of many travelers such as Maya Angelou, Malcolm X, Julian Mayfield (Gaines includes a lot about him), St. Clair Drake, Robert Lee, among others are told from someone who seems to be a close associate or confidante. The Epilogue looks at current relationships and encounters of African Americans in Ghana (including immigrants and culture/historical tourists). It ends with a challenge as well as a prescription for the expansion of what it means to be African American citizen of the U.S., of Africa, and the world.

I was excited to download the kindle edition of this book, to discover extra details of the1966 military coup. starting from page 210.However two glaring errors, 18 pages later, on page 228 have left me wondering what other misinformation I might be exposing myself to.Afrifa's fore-names were Akwasi Amankwa not Ekwensi!It was Colonel Kotoka who made the dawn announcement on Ghana radio on the 24th February 1966 not Gen Ankrah.(Source:Operation Cold Chop by Peter Barker, and many others)

I have taken delivery of the book and it is in good shape. I am loving even the highlights that fascinated the original user.

Good story