Here I am standing on the western shores of Africa, the very spot where my ancestors were sold by other Africans and then bought by Europeans.

This day? It’s a turning point for me — a moment when I let go of the bitterness surrounding the pain and hate my people went through.

I spent a month in West Africa on a journey to find myself, dive into my history, and really get the full picture of the slave trade. What hit me hard was realizing that slavery wasn’t just a black-and-white thing; it was all about that gold, silver, and green — money. The Bible says it best: “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”

Listening to the stories from my African brothers and sisters helped me see my role in America. God used the struggle of slavery to shape us into resilient warriors who can rise above anything. Through that hardship, I found my connection to Jesus Christ, who pulled us out of witchcraft, poverty, and false gods.

I embrace my history, but it doesn’t define me. I acknowledge the struggle, but it’s not my whole purpose. I own the dark history of America, but this country is still mine. For real, I can say I’ve overcome the negativity by forgiving those who mistreated my ancestors. That victory isn’t from my own strength; it comes from the blood of the Lamb that wiped my slate clean. The Hampton bloodline is free from the bitterness of slavery and oppression.

Before this trip, I felt like a blue American stuck in a blue world. Then I traveled to a yellow country, soaking in the vibe and connecting with its people. Now that I’m back in the States, I’m a green person living among blue folks. Lord, give me strength to stand up for Your truth in a world that’s often lost.

The Hamptons are proud believers and proud Americans. We’re not just trying to overcome; we’ve already overcome.