Steve Harvey’s whirlwind summer getaway continued with a trip to Ghana this past week and a stop at one of the country’s most visited locations caused the comedian to weep.
Harvey, his wife Marjorie Harvey and their family took an emotional trip to the Elmina Castle in Elmina, Ghana, which was formerly the Gold Coast. The castle was erected by the Portuguese, who were the first Europeans to enslave and traffic Africans in 1492. Named Fort Sao Jorge da Mina, it was the first trading post constructed on the Gulf of Guinea.
The former “Steve” host uploaded a video of the group’s tour in the castle to his Instagram page Aug. 17.
“This was real pain I felt going back to Ghana’s slave castles…I could feel my ancestors on me… Powerful beyond words that I can explain. I encourage as many of you as possible to go HOME for your ancestors. Their strength is in each of us and we must honor their ultimate sacrifice in all that we do. #TheYearofTheReturn,” he wrote in the caption.
Others observing the tour told TMZ last Saturday that the comedian and his family observed the way Africans were shoved into tiny spaces everywhere in the castle, which had no windows where air or light could get through. The radio host also saw some of the items Europeans used on enslaved Africans — like chains and whips — before they were shipped off on boats. Some members of the Harvey family put on the chains, sources told the gossip site.
While Harvey expressed how moved he was by the experience in his video caption, TMZ photos of the star’s visit also captured how affected he was by the tour. One saw Harvey sitting on the castle steps with his head hanging down staring at the ground. In his video, his wife appeared to have tears streaming down her face.
The moment was something the TV personality’s fans appreciated him sharing and they expressed their gratitude and sorrow in the comments section.
“😢That breaks my heart. I’m so sorry that this ever happened. Slaves on earth are saints in heaven.”
“I can’t even imagine what our ancestors went through, watching this was heart breaking. Thanks for sharing your journey.”
“I love being BLACK. It’s wonderful how you can feel the presence of us. God bless our heritage.”
