The Power of Heritage Tours: A Journey Beyond Tourism

For generations, people of African descent across the world have carried with them the weight of a fragmented history—one marked by centuries of colonization, slavery, and migration. The loss of cultural continuity through the brutal system of the transatlantic slave trade and its aftermath has often left individuals searching for ways to rebuild and understand their heritage.

Heritage tours are emerging as an essential way to learn about Africa’s complex history and build a sense of collective memory and pride.

Heritage tourism, particularly within the African diaspora community, goes beyond traditional sightseeing. These journeys allow individuals to reconnect with their ancestors’ land, witness the places where their histories were shaped, and honor the experiences of those who lived through unimaginable suffering and resilience.

As the African diaspora seeks to reclaim its cultural memory, these tours present an opportunity to both educate and heal.

The cultural initiative WeDiasporan stands at the forefront of this movement. Founded in 2015 by the Evideos Association, WeDiasporan has created a unique space for African diaspora communities in Italy to engage with their heritage.

African Emigrants to Italy: A Brief Overview

As of 2015, approximately 1,000,000 African immigrants resided in Italy, including Italian citizens and residents of African origin. The term “Afro-Italians” as you might have heard by now, refers to three categories of people:

1. Individuals born in Africa but raised in Italy,
2. Italian citizens of African descent,
3. Or those of mixed African and Italian heritage.

Migration Trends

In 2014, a year after we started our research project into the presence of Africans in northern Italy, Italy experienced a significant influx of migrants, with over 170,000 arrivals—the largest single-country increase in European Union history. A substantial portion of these migrants originated from African nations.

Primary Routes and Origins

Many African migrants utilize the Libyan coast to cross the Mediterranean Sea, aiming to reach Italian shores. While departing from Libya, the majority hail from countries such as Ghana, Senegal, Nigeria, and Eritrea.

The journey from Africa to Italy via Libya is perilous. In 2015, approximately 2,000 individuals perished attempting the crossing, and many boats were intercepted by the Libyan coast guard. See the publication, “Mixed Migration Trends in Libya: Changing Dynamics and Protection Challenges” by UNHCR.

In response to increased attention on this route, smugglers have explored alternative paths, including departures from Egypt, the Balkan route via Greece, and a particularly hazardous route through mountain passes in Albania.

In 2016, we initiated the “We Refugee – Verona 2016” project, collaborating with the University of Verona to commemorate World Refugee Day on June 20. This initiative featured a series of interviews led by Obehi Ewanfoh, where African refugees shared harrowing accounts of their experiences in Libya, including witnessing fellow travelers drown in the Mediterranean Sea.

European Union’s Response

In 2016, Italy’s finance minister advocated for financial compensation from the European Union to offset the country’s expenses related to mass migration. By that year, the EU had allocated 1.8 billion euros for refugee efforts across Europe, including initiatives in Africa.

Demographic Breakdown

As of 2016, the largest group of African immigrants in Italy were Arabs and Berbers from North Africa, totaling 641,085 official residents. The majority of these individuals originated from Morocco (437,485), Egypt (109,871), Tunisia (95,645), and Algeria (71,765). Sub-Saharan Africans comprised 35.7% of African immigrants, with 370,068 official residents in 2015. Notable countries of origin included Nigeria (98,176), Senegal (77,264), and Ghana (48,637).

All these are the situations we are talking about in WeDiasporan. Through conferences, cultural exchanges, and group tourism, WeDiasporan works to deepen understanding and build strong connections between the diaspora and African nations.

Their mission is to provide education, foster community, and encourage African-descended people to embrace their African heritage in its fullest, most authentic form.

Connecting the Past to the Present

For the African diaspora, connecting with historical sites is not simply a matter of sightseeing; it is an act of remembering, healing, and honoring those who came before.

These sites give voice to the struggles, pains, and triumphs of ancestors whose stories have been marginalized or forgotten. They also serve as a reminder of the indomitable resilience that continues to define the African diaspora.

WeDiasporan’s work is crucial in making these transformative journeys accessible. By fostering partnerships between diaspora communities and African nations, they provide authentic cultural experiences that go beyond tourism.

Their educational programs and community-building initiatives offer a sense of belonging, unity, and empowerment that help individuals build a stronger, more resilient cultural memory.

Conclusion: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

The legacy of the African diaspora is one of strength, survival, and reinvention. By visiting the historic sites that chronicle this history, individuals can build a deeper connection to their roots, reclaim their narratives, and contribute to a collective cultural memory that will resonate for generations to come.

WeDiasporan offers a unique opportunity for members of the African diaspora to experience Africa’s rich history in its full complexity—acknowledging the pain of the past while celebrating the triumphs that followed.

For those looking to embark on this journey, WeDiasporan provides the tools, knowledge, and support needed to make this an unforgettable and transformative experience.

Reconnecting with Africa is not just about visiting landmarks; it’s about healing, reclaiming identity, and embracing the power of history to shape the future.