By Zuzeeko Abeng

“The river that forgets its source will dry up.” African proverb.

A few months ago, while watching African Voices on CNN International, I was struck by the fact that more and more African Americans are looking to return to Africa to reconnect with their roots. I began to ask myself if this was the beginning of a new era in relationships between Africans and African Americans? I particularly found the story of actor Isaiah Washington (well known for his role as Dr. Preston Burke in Grey’s Anatomy) particularly inspiring and fascinating; and thought it worth sharing on my blog at the time.

In 2005, Isaiah Washington took the revolutionary DNA test that traced his roots back to Sierra Leone. In 2006, he traveled to Sierra Leone to reconnect with his people. While on this life-changing trip, the sight of a child trying to collect clean water from a broken water pipe in the streets, and a memorable visit to an old slave castle amongst other things inspired Washington to shift his attention to Africa and to take positive action to help improve the lives of the people of one of Africa’s poorest nations. He was now embarking on an ambitious mission of rebuilding a nation ravaged by war. His role had shifted from the spotlights of Hollywood to the poverty stricken, war torn streets of West Africa – the call to help was too great to ignore.

Like most African Americans who return ‘home’, Washington was warmly welcomed;  this son of Africa was proudly inducted ‘chief’ by the Mende people, his African name: Gondobay Manga. In 2007, he founded the Gondobay Manga Foundation to help rebuild Sierra Leone – “one village at a time”.

Isha Sesay of African Voices points out that back in 1987, Washington’s 10 year plan had been to become a major actor; this he achieved. He then set another 10 year goal to make more money; he did. No doubt therefore, Washington told CNN that since he has always achieved his dreams in 10 year cycles, by 2016 he would’ve helped rebuild a nation.

Well known African Americans like Oprah, Whoopi Goldberg, Chris Tucker, Judge Hatchet amongst others have been tested to trace where their ancestors came from. Everyday African Americans too are embracing this new technology, eager to learn about their pre-slavery lineage, continuing to seek that all too important link back to Africa partly “to clearly define who they really are”, according to African Ancestry, the company that has helped well over 100,000 people reconnect with their roots.

As these descendants of more than 20 million Africans forcibly taken away from their motherland hundreds of years ago during the slave trade era continue to find their way back home, the great news is, Africa and Africans await with open arms.

Originally published On The Road to Success as Returnee African Americans