Christa Sanders-Bobtoya is on a mission to encourage Black Americans to study abroad at Webster Ghana, the only United States’ accredited institution in West Africa.
Sanders-Bobtoya has been living in Ghana for the past 20 years and is currently the director of the school. She believes that studying abroad in Ghana will enable Black American students to reconnect with their roots and gain a better understanding of their history and culture.
The Spelman College and Columbia University graduate actively is working to any dispel myths and stereotypes about Africa. Sanders-Bobtoya continuously speaks publicly about the experiences of Black Americans who have moved to or chosen to study in Ghana. She also speaks about her personal life there. Some of the forums that she has participated in are WURD Radio’s Blaxit Ghana for Black History Month and Philadelphia’s City Hall’s monthly town hall meeting.
In each speech, she speaks to Black students about Webster Ghana and the opportunities in Ghana. For her, it is important to experience diverse cultures and become global citizens. Sanders-Bobtoya emphasizes that Black students should not be limited to a single neighborhood, city, state or country.
“I believe studying abroad, and specifically at Webster Ghana, can be a truly rewarding experience in the heart of Ghana’s capital city with a student body of over 31 nationalities and an international teaching faculty,” she said.
The Meaning Behind Blaxit
Blaxit is a term inspired by Brexit, which is Great Britain’s exit from the European Union. It describes what could possibly be the next Great Black Migration. Recently, Ghana has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for those in the African diaspora. In recent years, the country has opened its doors to almost 4,000 Black Americans and people of Caribbean descent. The majority of them had the intention to settle in Ghana permanently.
There are many reasons that they decided to settle in Ghana, including its political stability and rich cultural heritage. The interest of moving to Ghana increased in 2019, due to the year of return initiative. The year marked 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in America. Ghana is a destination that is appealing to those who are seeking to reconnect with their African roots.
“There are so many misconceptions and stereotypes that exist about Africa,” Sanders-Bobtoya said. “It is important for young people, especially African Americans to explore the world.”
Sanders-Bobtoya’s Speaking Engagements
The Blaxit panel discussion and the presentation at Philadelphia City Hall shed light on the modern realities of life in a cosmopolitan African city. The meeting also provided an opportunity for those considering traveling, studying or doing business in Ghana to learn more about the country.
The event also highlighted the potential benefits of cultural exchange and collaboration between African and Black American communities. It also celebrated the importance of creating more opportunities for people of color to connect and build relationships across borders.
Many of those present found the event to be both educational and motivating. It highlighted Accra’s multiculturalism and business dynamism.
More About The University
Webster University is an American university headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. It has a mission of providing high-quality education that will transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence. The Ghana campus commenced operations in 2013 with extensive undergraduate, graduate degree and study abroad programs.
Webster University Ghana is accredited by the National Accreditation Board of Ghana. The university offers a diverse student body, small class sizes and a personalized approach to education.