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Back in 2001, I was standing outside Elmina Castle looking grim. I was reflecting upon the guided tour of this castle from slavery times located in the coastal town of Elmina that they had just given us. I was in shock about the gruesome account of how my ancestors were shackled, bound and kept in those dungeons waiting to be transported like animals in ships where their survival anything but guaranteed. So I was standing there outside the castle and this young woman comes up to me realizing how I was feeling and starts telling me how she understands my feelings because she’d seen that look on so many faces of visitors to the castle. And then she asks me if the tour guide at the castle told me about the good the castle is doing nowadays for the people of Elmina. I could not recall him doing so, so told her it had not been the case. She said “well, let me show how this place that was such a den of evil back so many years ago, has become a source for the good of our people now”. I said yes and followed her lead. Her name was Abina, and she took me to a nearby school which was in very acceptable conditions in terms of equipped classrooms, clean backyard with playground and other humble but well cared for amenities. She explained that the castle has made donations to help the school and on Saturdays, local children do cultural and recreational activities at the castle’s courtyards. Then Abina brought me to a hospital where the castle has helped acquire machines which have saved people’s lives. And she explained to me how it has been a gathering point for the community so they share their concerns and get together to find solutions to their problems. Many young people have been able to study abroad and improve their lives in part because of what the castle has done for them. “This goes to show how a place that was built for the most abominable of reasons has now changed into a tool that has contributed greatly to this community”, Abina said. She taught me a valuable lesson that day: never to underestimate how human spirit can change even the most evil circumstances.