Reflection of a Million Lives Lost
Photographer Tamara A. Fleming chronicles her emotional journey through Ghana's historic coast
With its scenic landscapes and epic contributions to the rise of civilizations, Africa remains a remarkable continent for photographers from around the world to explore and illustrate. The haunting stillness of these photos, baring the voiceless and memories forgotten, continue to carry the uplifting message of hope and healing and have unmistakably proven to be the catalyst for increasing global humanitarian efforts.
Tamara A. Fleming, photography director of FEMWORKS in Newark, N.J., was struck by the historical framework of one country in particular—Ghana—one of Africa’s best coastal tourist spots, but only a few hundred years ago served as a holding place for captive slaves. Fleming’s photos reveal Ghana’s powerful and multi-faceted culture in all its grittiness and glory.
“I wanted to learn about the Atlantic trade first-hand and connect with my ancestors’ spirits,” she said. “It was an overwhelming experience to travel to Elmina and Cape Coast castles and see the sites where they chained black slaves by their legs and wrists. Tears were streaming down my face as the guide reminded us of the atrocities that took place right where we stood.”
“I was always the last in the group because I wanted to capture the essence of the castle walls and have some alone time,” she continues. “I remember being fearful to touch them though, because I thought they would cause some sort of jolt in my own spirit. The history I learned in Ghana wasn’t taught in any schoolbook I’d ever read because it was simply raw and real—there was no sugar coating about it.”
Her close friend and business partner, Kimberlee, spoke of Ghana often since she traveled there after college. Fleming, who also traveled to other countries, was enthralled by her friend’s stories and immediately drawn to Ghana’s legacy.
“Kim went right out of school and stayed close to four months,” Fleming said. “Her stories inspired me, and I became fixated on my research to learn more about it. Even when it didn’t seem financially possible to take this trip, I would change my thought pattern around to reflect the positive. In the end, it all worked out.”
During her two-week visit, Fleming was mindful in developing a discerning eye to shoot intimate photos of the locals without imposing on their daily routines. However, the children she visited at a local school were in such awe of her camera, they begged to see their pictures immediately after they were taken to revel in their playful innocence.
“They all rushed to be photographed and all I could capture were eyeballs, teeth and noses,” she said laughing. “I had to beg them to ‘Please, step back,’ so I could properly frame my images.”
“Candid photos were hard to take because they wanted to be center stage. But, it was truly a humbling experience—I’ve never seen children smile so hard and be so excited over a camera.”
Fleming says she plans to travel to other parts of Africa over the next several years with repeated trips to Ghana to document its ethereal imagery, naturally and unedited. She hopes her work will shed light on the encouraging signs of progress in a small part of Africa at a time when international news reports are sparse, dismissing the continent as unworthy to be saved from the unimaginable horrors it continues to endure.
“African natives and their descendants had so much taken away from them,” Fleming said, “and it is time for their beauty and art to be shown to the world. I felt blessed to have learned so much about our history firsthand and be able to bring it back with me to share.”
Her photos are great! You conducted an interview that will inspire others to visit Ghana in hopes of making a connection.
I am so proud of you. This article is awesome. First Shades Magazine then Oprah! Africa is most proud of you.
Tammy,
I’m really proud of you and your on-going accomplishments with your craft. The pictures are beautiful and they made me smile too. Keep up hte good work little cousin.
Love you a whole bunch!
send me some more…….
I’m speechless of your achievements.(smile). I knew you would soar .. I’m always going remember when you turn 30 with a dream…
Love you always and forever !!
Girl when I seen your pics of Ghana before the article it definitly made me want to take a trip to see these sites that show how far we have really come as African Americans. Keep up the good work. The article was GREAT!!!! I knew you would go far with this. Keep it coming =-)
Yo Cuz in MN………
Thanks for bringing back our story and keeping our history alive. My heart is moved by the images…
Your beautifully crafted words harmonize with your photography. Congratulations
Tamara,
This is great!!! See what happens when you believe? You are a great photographer!!
Wow, you are truly talented. Your gift will help to immortalize our lives today so that our future children and their children will have roots to a time long past! Thank you beloved!
Cuz, you really did a good job man that was deep i’m proud of you….when i went to africa i didn’t have a experience like you did keep up the good work…..i tip my army hat off to you .. congrads
Tamara;
As God’s children we are all given our own individual gifts. From the first day I met you I knew that God has blessed you with a tremendous gift and that it would only be a matter of time before you would blossom.
You have used your gift to bring a place, for some of us that is a millions miles from our reach, right into our hearts and minds. You have made me think, you have made re-discover, you have inspired me.
I thank you for letting me see the world through your eyes.
Remember that in life happiness is always the journey, not the destination.
From the fisrt time I landed on your site- I knew I was home. Your eye for beauty in the ordinary is what draws me. Thank You for following your path. The photos allow us to live through you and those that lived.
From what I have seen you did a fantastic job. God bless you and continue on.
Dad.
I am proud of you and the work that you do. I have always wanted to go to Africa. And having you share the life of our people with those great pictures just topped it off. Your the best!
Love Sharon
Even if there were no words a story could be told
Look at all those appreciative hungry bright eyed dear little souls
You captured pictures that are truly felt
The souls you captured – makes my heart melt
Melt with pain, hurt and disgust
Knowing how our ancestors were treated as such
I shed tears as I gaze and think
I’m proud of photographers who share these links
If it weren’t for your pictures I would never have seen
So many beautiful shades – so proud with their gleam
A true artist is what you are
You better believe you’re going to go far
Best wishes,
KayPee
I got a chance to see your experience through your beautiful photos. They made me proud. A feeling of peace, and the richness of thier sprits were captured through the eyes of your lens. One day I hope to experience that journey also. Thank you for allowing the Rhodes family to share in this priceless experience with you.
Aunt Tamara i love seeing those little kids faces in africa they had pretty faces and nice teeth. i hope you had a nice time. love Danielle
I feel blessed once again to have you in my life. I also feel honored by your gift of a fourth eye (the camera lens). Your pictures speak volumes to my heart that energizes my mind to believe in the impossible.
Peace and Blessings.
I think you have done it you have found a passion.
You photographed excellently …
and the words make it all come together.
I am proud of u sister
Tahseena
Tammy! I am so proud of you and your accomplishments. The photo’s are beautiful and so are you. Keep up the good work, trust in God, believe and you will continue to sore like an EAGLE that you are!
Lots of love
Jonathan, Theris and Shenea
Hey Tamara, The article was just as beautiful as the pictures….Much Luv Tanya
I AM VERY IMPRESSED IN YOUR WORK…….THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE.
Tamara,
You never cease to amaze me! This is great!
Keep up the good work!
Send me some more business cards!!!