A Historic Walk on the Edge
Ama Kwaama Bremansu

Figure 1: Beach Path

Arriving on the Island that fateful Sunday dawn is a day I will not forget. As I took my first steps off the plane, I realized that I had stepped into a totally different climate, time zone, weather pattern, landscape, culture, identity and lifestyle. Some days after arrival I decided to take a short walk along Victoria Park. So early that morning, I wore my winter boots, packed my small backpack and set out. The air was crisp, it was snowing (apparently this was my first time experiencing snow) and the rhythmic sound of trees and birds filled the atmosphere.

As I walked along the narrow path, the world around me transformed. The ice-sea stretched endlessly, its shades of white-blue mesmerizing as it met the horizon. A feeling of exhilaration and trepidation ran though my spine. Fully aware that I was walking on the edge of both land and possibility, I began to reflect on the edge of one of my historic ancestors named “Yaa Asantewaa” who had to walk in other to save the entire Asante kingdom and preserve its golden stool. This kingdom is in the Ashanti region of Ghana.

Figure 2: Picture of Nana Yaa Asantewaa of the Asante Kingdom

Nana Yaa Asantewaa arose in a time where the British governor, led by Sir Frederick Mitchell Hodgson, demanded the surrender of the Golden Stool as an admission by the Ashanti of their submission to British rule. This brave Queen mother stood on her feet, refused to give into their request, and further became the leader of their fighting force to defend the golden stool. The Queen Mother took charge of an army of 5,000 soldiers and won the battle. But later she was exiled to Seychelles Island, a small island country east of the African continent located in the Sea of Zanj due north of Madagascar where she later died.

Figure 3: Picture of Victoria Park Path

Whiles reflecting on this historic event that took place several years ago, I started to ponder and envision how some decisions lead us to the edge, where the most intriguing stories in history unfold, and carry us beyond sheer immersion. These are the journeys that cross the edge of time, providing an insight into the unique times, personalities, and locations that have impacted our world. As a descendant of such a brave queen, moving to PEI is one of my recent walks on the edge. A decision that meant moving far away from family, friends, culture, lifestyle and patterns to embrace the unknown. While trying to find my feet on this island, I have realized that the journey along the edge is not just a physical one but also a profound exploration of oneself.

Figure 3: Picture of Victoria Park during the winter.

My self-exploration journey begins in a city steeped in its culture, history and identity of islandness, its cobblestone streets echoing with the whispers of isolation and separation. Nevertheless, amidst all these I can’t wait to explore and experience more of this Island, as every discovery leads to new questions and every revelation opens a new chapter of self-exploration.