Author: Rita Ricks

Behind Closed Doors: Exploring the Shocking Cruelty Endured by Africans at St Georges and Cape Coast Castles I recently traveled to the Republic of Ghana, West Africa, specifically to see the DOOR OF NO RETURN. I visited St Georges and Cape Coast Castles – the two most infamous architectural structures in West Africa that became chambers of torment during the era of transatlantic slavery. It was an emotional journey as the guide shared the history my people endured behind closed doors, away from the public eye. These castles served as holding pens for captured Africans who were then transported to the New World for enslavement. Located along the coast of Ghana, the castles were initially built by European traders for commercial purposes but were later used as major hubs for the transatlantic slave trade. Despite their beautiful scenic locations, located on the Gulf of Guinea of the Atlantic Ocean, these castles have a dark history of unspeakable cruelty and human suffering. The construction of these castles began in the 17th century with the arrival of Portuguese traders to West Africa. The European powers that followed – including British, Dutch, Swedish, and Danish – also built their own forts along this stretch of coast for trade purposes. These forts were strategically positioned along the Gold Coast (now Ghana) as it was a major supplier of gold, ivory, and other valuable resources at that time. However, what started as trading posts soon turned into warehouses for human beings. In search of cheap labor for their plantations in America and Caribbean islands, Europeans began trafficking Africans from various parts of West Africa to the castles before transporting them on grueling voyages across the Atlantic Ocean. The conditions inside these castles were unimaginable. Africans captured by neighboring tribes or traded by African rulers would be held captive in overcrowded dungeons with little food or water. They were forced to endure extreme heat, disease-infested environments and horrific living conditions while they waited for their turn to go through the DOOR OF NO RETURN. Upon reaching the coast, these traumatized individuals were crammed onto overcrowded ships commonly known as ‘slave vessels.’ These ships had inhumane conditions – slaves were packed tightly together with no room to move or lay down comfortably. They remained below deck for most of the journey which could last several months depending on weather conditions. This experience became known as the “Middle Passage” – aptly named due to it being considered as “the middle” stage between captivity in Africa and enslaved in another land. The origins of this trade can be traced back to European exploration and colonization of the New World in the 15th century. As Europeans began establishing colonies in North and South America, they needed large numbers of laborers to cultivate crops such as sugar, tobacco, and cotton. The indigenous population was decimated by diseases brought by European colonizers, leading the colonizers to turn to Africa for a steady supply of labor. At first, enslaved Africans were captured through warfare or kidnapping by local African rulers who then sold them to European traders for goods such as guns, textiles, or alcohol. However, with increased demand for slaves in the Americas came an organized and highly profitable system of slave trading that operated on a massive scale. The vast majority of enslaved Africans were taken from West and Central Africa – primarily modern-day Senegal down to Angola – due to its geographical proximity to Europe and its abundant natural resources. This region became known as “the Slave Coast” due to its role within this despicable trade.  The transatlantic slave trade, also known as the triangular trade, was a horrific and exploitative system of human trafficking that lasted for over 400 years. It involved the forced migration of millions of Africans from their homelands to the Americas to work as laborers on plantations and in other industries. This brutal trade had far-reaching effects on African societies, political structures, and economies, shaping the history of the continent for centuries to come. For many Africans, this was their first encounter with Europeans. They were met with violence, intimidation, and harsh treatment throughout the journey. The physical conditions were grueling; they endured extreme temperatures, inadequate food and water supplies, as well as brutal punishments for any slow walkers or attempts to escape. The journey of captured Africans to the castles was a harrowing and traumatic experience that would ultimately lead to a lifetime of suffering for those who were “STRONG” enough to be sold into slavery. The capture and transportation of Africans from their homes in various regions across West Africa to the castles is a crucial chapter in the history of transatlantic slave trade, and one that is often overlooked. NOTE: We visited the site of the LAST BATH. The captives were placed, in chains, in the rushing river. Those who could swim would try to get away. Many drowned, while being dragged by others and the river. The guide invited us to walk down to the river barefoot in order to feel the ground and soil they walked on. I put my foot in the River for a few minutes and felt the anger of the churning river. This was one of my transforming experiences. One of the most shocking aspects of my visit to the castles was the inhumane living conditions endured by slaves. The dungeons were crowded and filthy, with little to no ventilation or natural light. These small spaces were often overcrowded with hundreds of slaves packed together like sardines. Adding to this physical agony was the psychological torture endured by slaves inside these castles. They were stripped of their identities, separated from their families and communities, and treated as mere commodities by their captors. This was purposeful to gain complete submission and total dependency on their masters.  The constant feeling of confinement and helplessness created a sense of despair among the enslaved population. Many captives suffered from anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues due to their…

As CEO of Your Life: Strategic Reflections on What to Stop, Start, and Carry Forward in the New Year As CEO of your life, you create your own reality. As you enter a new year filled with possibilities, it’s time to strategically reflect on what will truly propel you forward as well as leaving behind any habits or patterns that are holding you back. In this blog post, I want you to delve into the power of self-reflection and explore what to stop, start, and carry forward in order to experience a fulfilling year ahead.  I’m going to share some strategic insights that will empower you to take charge of your life. Being the CEO of your life means taking ownership of your decisions, choices, and actions. It is about embracing the role of a leader and creating a vision for yourself that aligns with your values, goals, and aspirations. Just like a CEO of a company, you have the power to make strategic decisions that will steer your life towards success, joy and peace.  If you’re going through the motions without actively taking control of your life…Then you’re living on autopilot. As CEO of your life, you are responsible for setting clear objectives and designing actionable plans to achieve them. You have to be intentional about how you spend your time, what habits you develop, and what relationships you nurture. This requires a deep understanding of yourself – knowing your strengths, weaknesses, passions, and purpose. Think about it – no one knows you better than yourself. You are uniquely equipped with knowledge about what makes you happy or unhappy; what motivates or demotivates you; what fulfills or drains you. It is essential to tap into this self-awareness regularly through reflection and silence and planning.  One of the main reasons why reflection and planning are important for personal growth is that they help you identify areas where you need improvement. By taking a step back and evaluating your actions, behaviors, and thought patterns, you gain valuable insights into your strengths and weaknesses. This self-awareness is vital as it allows you to focus on specific areas that require attention or change. You probably will discover patterns of behavior that have been holding you back from reaching your full potential or hindering your progress. Taking time for self-reflection allows you to slow down and tune into your thoughts, feelings, desires, and values. It enables you to understand what truly matters to you and ultimately align your actions with your spirit. Planning goes hand in hand with reflection as it empowers you to turn insights gained from self-reflection into actionable goals. Without a solid plan in place, it is easy to get lost or feel overwhelmed while trying to achieve personal growth. Planning provides structure and direction. Identifying what needs to stop in your life can be a difficult but crucial step towards personal growth and self-improvement. We often get so caught up in our daily routines and habits that we fail to recognize patterns or behaviors that may no longer be serving us well. This could mean anything from toxic relationships to negative thought patterns, or even destructive habits such as procrastination or self-doubt. The first step towards identifying what needs to stop is to  set aside some quiet time where you can honestly evaluate your life without any distractions. Ask yourself questions such as: What am I doing that is causing me stress? What are the things that drain my energy and bring me down? What habits or behaviors are holding me back from reaching my goals?  For example, a toxic relationship may cause feelings of insecurity and self-doubt, whereas procrastinating on important tasks can lead to increased stress levels and missed opportunities. These negative influences can also manifest physically in the form of headaches, anxiety, fatigue, or other health issues. By becoming more mindful of how these things affect you both mentally and physically, you’ll gain a better understanding of why they need to be stopped. As you start a new year, it’s natural to reflect on your past habits and behaviors and consider ways to improve. Whether you’re looking to become more productive, strengthen your relationships, or simply live a healthier lifestyle, incorporating new habits and actions into your daily routine can greatly benefit you in the long run. Here are some key steps for successfully introducing new habits and actions into your daily routine: Before starting any new habit or action, it’s important to have a clear understanding of why you want to implement it. Start small by selecting one or two key habits to focus on at first. Once these become second nature, gradually add more over time. Schedule specific times for when you will practice the habit each day and hold yourself accountable by setting reminders. Having someone else hold you accountable can be incredibly helpful when trying to introduce new habits into your routine. It is common to set goals and make resolutions for the future. However, before diving into the future, it is important to reflect on the past year and acknowledge what worked well. This practice of strategic reflection allows you to identify areas that may need improvement. Take time to reflect on what activities or habits helped you reach your goals or brought positivity into your life. This is why carrying forward positive practices from the past year is crucial. These could be things like regular exercise, setting aside time for self-care, networking events that led to career opportunities, or consistently meeting deadlines at work. Once you’ve  identified these practices, make a conscious effort to continue them in the new year. If they were helpful in the past, chances are they will continue to bring value in the present and future as well. It is important not to let go of things that are working well just because it’s a new year.  Also carrying forward positive practices also means learning from your mistakes and making necessary changes. Staying accountable and motivated…

Losing a Friend and Finding The Memories Losing a dear friend like Pat Bland Woodfolk has brought forth a wave of bittersweet nostalgia, as I am reminded of the vibrant memories we shared over the course of 60 years. I had so many questions after having lived in Taiwan for two years as the only black family in our vicinity during our last year there. Our subsequent move to Virginia ushered me into a new phase of life when I entered high school at Peabody HS, an institution marked by segregation where my peers looked just like me. The music pulsated with the rhythm of my soul, and the clothes and dances spoke directly to every fiber of my being. Those two years were nothing short of extraordinary; every party ended with me at Pat’s house, for a slumber party, while we engaged in deep conversations until dawn. She possessed not only academic brilliance but also kindness and confidence that left an indelible mark on my understanding of what it truly meant to embrace one’s identity as a Black person. She played an integral role that went beyond companionship.  Prior to attending Peabody and meeting Pat, I often felt different amidst diverse educational settings—an outsider looking in. But those formidable years at Peabody, unveiled a newfound sense of belonging rooted deeply within my essence. The 60s brought sit ins demanding justice, riots, powerful demonstrations, Motown, and a black awakening among all of us…and answers to many of the questions I had before arriving at Peabody. While a new assignment led us to Frankfurt Germany for my Junior and Senior year—I maintained precious connections with Pat and others who relentlessly sent me updates through magazines and records reflecting society’s evolution during this transformative decade. The class of 65 gathered in somber silence, our presence a heartfelt tribute to honor you and your beloved family. As I glanced upon your grieving loved ones, I felt a mixture of profound sadness and a deep affection fill the Church. The tears they shed flowed not only from sorrow but also from the depths of immeasurable love and immense respect for the remarkable woman they lost – an extraordinary sister, a devoted mother, a cherished aunt, and an adored grandmother. Dear Friend, as I stood there surrounded by memories we shared together, my heart yearned for your warm laughter and comforting words. The day of your Mom’s funeral, I leaned into the car to hug you and you consoled me as I cried remembering how special both our Moms were. Amidst the sadness intertwined with gratitude, I want to express my eternal appreciation for all that you were in my life – an invaluable source of inspiration who added immeasurable value to every moment we walked this earth together. Those treasured memories etched within my soul shall remain steadfast until fate reunites us once again. I am Rita…speaking to your Spirit

Crafting Your Life’s Blueprint: Why Having a Vision is Essential for Success Have you ever wondered what separates highly successful individuals from the rest? The secret lies in their ability to envision their dreams and relentlessly pursue them. Just like a beautifully crafted blueprint serves as a guide for architects, having a clear vision for your life sets the foundation for an extraordinary journey filled with purpose and achievement. In this blog post, you will learn why creating your life’s blueprint is essential for success and uncover practical tips on how to craft it effectively. Get ready to unlock the power of visualization and move towards greatness! Your personal vision is your mental map or guide that you can refer to when making decisions large and small. Having a strong sense of what you want in life gives you something to aim for and helps to keep you motivated when things get tough. Vision helps you define your goals, and remain inspired. It’s been said that the two most important days in a person’s life are the day we are born and the day we figure out why we are alive. Once we attain an understanding of the role we play in the world we can begin to identify and achieve our goals and dreams. Your goals and dreams are what give your life purpose and meaning. They are what pull you out of bed each day and live your life to the fullest. Without them, you would likely feel lost and unfulfilled. The first step in achieving your goals and dreams is identifying them. What is it that you truly want out of life? What do you hope to accomplish? These can be difficult questions to answer, but they are essential if you want to craft a blueprint for your life that will lead you to success. Once you have identified your goals, it’s important to break them down into smaller, more manageable pieces. Trying to accomplish too much at once is often overwhelming and can lead to setbacks. By taking things one step at a time, you increase your chances of achieving your overall goal. It’s vital that you take action towards achieving your goals. Dreams without action are just wishes. It’s up to you to make them a reality. So start today, crafting your blueprint for success! Begin by thinking about what you want to achieve in the short-term, medium-term, and long-term. What are your goals? What do you want your life to look like? What kind of person do you want to be? Answering these questions will help you develop a clearer picture of what you want to achieve. Once you have a good understanding of your vision, start taking steps towards making it a reality. If your goal is to start your own business, for example, research the industry, create a business plan, and start networking with people who can help make your dream a reality. The important thing is to take action and move closer to your goals each day. A life without a vision is like driving without destination; eventually, you’ll end up nowhere. So take the time to craft your vision for success today! It is not enough to have a vision; you must have a plan to achieve it. This requires discipline and focus. It is easy to get sidetracked or become bogged down in the details, but if you keep your eye on the prize, you will be more likely to succeed. Start by breaking down the vision into smaller goals. What do you need to do in the short-term to get closer to your long-term goal? Make a list of these things and then create a schedule or timeline for yourself. Try to be as specific as possible so that you can measure your progress along the way. It is also important to set some deadlines for yourself. Without a sense of urgency, it will be all too easy to procrastinate or get off track. However, be realistic in setting your deadlines; don’t make them so stringent that they become impossible to meet. Remember to include some flexibility in your plans. Things rarely go exactly as we expect them too, so allow for some wiggle room. This does not mean that you should not strive for excellence, but rather that you should recognize that life is unpredictable and that there may be times when you need to adapt your plans accordingly. Setbacks are inevitable, but it’s how you deal with them that counts. It’s important to remember that setbacks are only temporary and that you can overcome them if you maintain a positive outlook and take action. If you let setbacks get you down, it will be harder to pick yourself back up and keep going. It’s also important to celebrate your victories, no matter how small they may seem. A victory is a victory, and each one should be celebrated as such. By celebrating your successes, you’ll be more excited to keep pushing forward towards your goals. Without a vision, it is all too easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and lose sight of what we are working towards. A vision provides us with a north star to guide our decisions and keep us on track. When we have a clear vision for our lives, it gives us the power to say no to things that don’t align with our goals. We can be more selective with how we spend our time and energy, and focus on activities that will help us move closer to our dreams. Having a vision also inspires us to take action. Instead of being content with where we are, we are motivated to keep pushing ourselves and growing. We become excited about the possibilities for our future and start taking steps to make them a reality. A vision gives us something to strive for, and the knowledge that it is possible to achieve great things. So if you haven’t…

From September to Success: Three Must-Do Tasks to Achieve by Year-end Are you ready to make the most of the remaining months of this year and end it on a high note? As September rolls in, it’s time to dive into action with three essential tasks that will propel you towards unprecedented success. Whether you’re striving for personal or professional growth, I’ve got your back! In this blog post, I’m unveiling three secrets to maximizing productivity, setting achievable goals, and fostering a winning mindset that will take you from September straight to success by December. So, grab a cup of motivation and keep reading. 3 Strategies to Ensure Success in Achieving Your Set Tasks The first step to success is setting goals and I know already that some of you are hyperventilating over that G word. But here’s the deal…You need to know what you want to achieve so you can work towards it. Without goals, you won’t know where to put your energy nor will you be able to measure your progress. Just don’t bite off more than you can chew by setting unrealistic goals. Not only will this make it harder for you to achieve your targets, it could also lead to disappointment and discouragement. Break your goals down into manageable chunks that you know you can reasonably achieve. The second step is to make a plan. Once you identify your goals, you need to figure out how you’re going to achieve them. This means creating a roadmap that outlines the necessary ACTION steps you need to take and the deadlines to aim for. Deadlines are a critical step , because without dates, you may never finish. This roadmap will keep you on track and focused on what needs to be done. Without a plan, it’s all too easy to get sidetracked or give up altogether. The third step is to TAKE ACTION. Once you have your goals and your plan, it’s time to put them into motion. This means taking consistent and determined steps towards your goal, no matter how small they may seem. Each step is an accomplishment and will help you stay motivated and accountable. Achieving any goal requires you being in the right mindset to maintain discipline. Contact me…I’ll show you how. Acknowledge Your Progress As you begin to feel more comfortable in this new rhythm, you can start to think about how to celebrate your successes! Whether you’ve been working hard all year to achieve specific goals or simply want to reward yourself for completing a series of tasks, now is the time to do it. Here are a few suggestions. Acknowledge your accomplishments by writing yourself a positive message on your mirror in lipstick, dry-erase marker, or even just pen and paper. Seeing your success written out will help keep you motivated throughout the rest of the year. Take yourself out on a date – Celebrate your successes by treating yourself to a special outing, whether it’s lunch at a favorite restaurant, tickets to a show or game or just hanging out with good friends. Whatever makes you feel good, do it! Reward yourself with something special – Buy yourself that item you’ve been wanting, take a long weekend vacation, or splurge with a massage. You deserve it! By acknowledging and rewarding your accomplishments, no matter how big or small, you’ll stay motivated and focused as you work towards your goals. So don’t wait until New Year’s Eve to start celebrating – start today! Achieving success is not easy, but it is achievable when you have the right plan of action. I hope this blog has shown you that by taking on small steps such as planning your tasks and setting realistic goals at the start of September, you WILL achieve your end-of-year dreams. Choose to close out 2023 with a bang. Be strategic in writing your plan, and put in the hard work to make this year one where you can truly say… I DID IT!!!! Stay in touch with me. What did you read that resonates? What is your hesitation in taking the first step? What can I do to make it easier? How are you celebrating your first accomplishment? I am Rita…speaking to your Spirit