Gorée Island

Written by Heather Sutmiller, Johnston YMCA

Today's travels took us to Goree island, a 15 minute ferry ride from Dakar. Goree island played a large role in the European slave trade for 312 years (1536-1848). Currently there are approximately 1,500 residents, 70% Muslim, 30% Christian, "all who live in harmony" (this has been expressed frequently throughout our visit, which I will talk about a little later in this post). To say that the history taught to us was difficult to hear would be an extreme understatement. I can say, without a doubt, this island and it's history resonates with many people, most of which may never get to visit but may always feel an emotional connection to it. Nothing said can give justice to the events that took place but I do think it is my responsibility to share a small glimpse to those who may never get to experience this opportunity.

I want to share a few pieces of information with you, to help shed light with those who may not understand the magnitude and devastation that occurred during those 312 years. 

• Approximately 20 million slaves were traded from this island alone and 6 million individuals lives were lost due to illness, sinking boats, and those seeking to escape (just to name a few reasons).


• Goree island has also been called the island of sharks in reference to the result of the lives lost in the water around the island.


• Young female children would be traded for items like necklaces or a bottle of rum.


• There was a requirement that a male slave needed to weigh at least 60 kilograms before he could be traded. If he did not weigh enough he would be sent to the waiting room where he would be forced to eat excessively for up to 3 months to gain weight.


• Family members were sold separately to ensure the end of family ties.These are just a few of the heartbreaking and sobering facts presented during our tour. Words can not describe the atmosphere within the walls of the slave house as people from around the world stood in the exact same spots these events took place... few people spoke, some cried, many reflected.

Though there is far more work to be done in the world I have been blessed with this incredible opportunity/trip to help remind me of how far we have come. This brings me to the point I brought up earlier, the culture of harmony and hospitality this nation shows on a constant basis is a great example and reminder of the kindness we can spread throughout the world.
I have learned that the Senegalese are raised to protect the foreigner. You see that from a young age children receive a lot of protection and respect as well as taught about the importance of sharing. They are taught to take only what they need and to share to anyone next to them who may not be as fortunate. This act of kindness and generosity was shown even in the simple gesture of children sharing their lollipops and even completely giving them away when not enough were available for all. Just as families share their meals from a giant bowl they share their difficulties and challenges with each other in order to help one another resolve any issues they may be experiencing.

I can't speak on behalf of anybody else in our group but my hope is to share the same light and kindness I have been shown over the course of this last week. If we can all accept our responsibility as children of God to love imagine how amazing that would be. The intention of this post is to serve as a gentle reminder (to myself and anyone reading) that certain actions and traits can take us a long way. The world will never see too much love, too much generosity or too much kindness so why not give it all we've got? Why not take each day as an opportunity to love, serve and protect our brothers and sisters in Christ. These actions need to be shared locally and globally and isn't that exactly the point of this trip and this partnership?