excerpts from N a Sonje's first letter announcing the vision

In 1998, we (DOA/BN www.haititravels.org) hosted 40 pilgrims during their week-long spiritual journey in Haiti of "The Interfaith Pilgrimage of the Middle Passage" as they traveled the slave history of the United States, through the Caribbean and South America, finalizing their pilgrimage in Ghana, Senegal, and South Africa. The pilgrimage’s objectives were (abridged): 1) To offer prayers for the spirits of people of African descent, 2) To open the way for all whose lives have been affected 3) Reverse historical patterns 4) Offer multifaceted educational opportunities 5) Transform the thinking that spawned racism. This has been a great inspiration to us and for this future vision.

The Interfaith Pilgrimage Of The Middle Passage Retracing The Journey of Slavery United States – Caribbean – Brazil – West Africa – South Africa May 30, 1998 – May 31, 1999

“If we do not acknowledge our history we cannot learn from it. The Interfaith Pilgrimage of the Middle Passage is a remarkable opportunity to confront the rality of the horrors of slavery both in context of the times when slavery was common practice, and in examining our attitudes and prejudices in the present day.”-the Most Reverend Desmond M. Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus and Chairperson Truth and Reconciliation Commission