Oral history interview with Kwame Sakyi

Kwame Sakyi spoke about where he grew up in Ghana and living in a compound; his experience attending boarding schools, one of them was Presbyterian; migrating to the United States in 1975 to attend Iowa State; his first experiences and cultural shock in Iowa; and what he knew about the United States prior to his arrival. Sakyi explained his first experience with race in the United States; and his thoughts about color and race. Sakyi spoke about his arrival in Washington, DC in 1986; and connecting to the Ghanaian and African community in Washington, DC, including attending outdooring ceremonies, parties, and funerals. He explained in detail the naming and outdooring ceremonies, including how the traditions were adapted to society in the United States. Sakyi spoke about African and Ghanaian values; and African religious or spiritual practices and beliefs, including what happens to a person after they die, and the relationship with and respect of nature and land. He explained he was raised as a member of the Anglican church, and why he practices Buddhism. Sakyi stated he was a part of the Akan people. He explained the Akan ethnic group, including differences in language among the Akan people; the ethnic groups and ethnic diversity in Ghana; and the focus on unity among the ethnic groups in Ghana and Africa. Sakyi also spoke about his radio program, "International Business Forum", which focuses on international trade and international business. Interview is in English. Digital audio files include loud white noise and static. Interviewee's voice is difficult to hear at times during the second half of the interview.