Rachel Décoste | Connecting With Place and Culture in Africa

Stories in Our Roots

Born in Canada to parents from Haiti, all Rachel Décoste knew of her family history was the names of her grandparents. Thanks to the gift of time, Rachel had the opportunity to spend six months in Africa visiting countries listed in the ethnicity results of a DNA test.

In this episode Rachel shares:

• The stories of strength she learned about her grandparents’ lives in Haiti
• Little things in her life that, unknown to her, had their roots in Africa
• Her experience walking in the steps of her ancestors

About Rachel:

Rachel Décoste is an educator and immigration policy expert. Ms. Décoste was a member of both presidential election campaign for Barack Obama. Upon graduating with a Masters from The George Washington University, Ms. Décoste was appointed National Director of the Congressional App Challenge, a tech education initiative created recently by the United States Congress. Ms. Décoste was named to the Top 100 Accomplished Black Canadian women in 2018.

In "Year of Return: a Black Woman’s African Homecoming”, Ms. Décoste shares her impromptu encounters, her sense of wonder and keen observations with the audience. She offers insights that go beyond the tired tropes of the animal safari to focus on Africa’s most valuable yet underappreciated asset: its people.

The trip to Africa was also an opportunity to exorcize the demons of the peculiar institution that was the transatlantic slave trade. She ultimately comes out from the somber subject matter with a keen sense of pride and purpose. This book is a journey worth taking!

Connect with Rachel:

Website www.yearofreturnbook.com
Facebook Rachel Décoste
Twitter RachelDecoste

Episode Sponsor:

Episode sponsored by Heather Murphy's signature 1:1 service, Resilience in Your Roots.
Get a free workbook, "Release Limiting Beliefs by Understanding Family History " to help identify your beliefs, where they come from, and how to chose your beliefs moving forward.

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