West Africa

The sun feels like a warm, cozy blanket on your shoulders. Big, long rivers wiggle through the land like happy snakes splashing in the water. Can you hear that sound? Boom-boom-boom. It’s the sound of drums that makes your feet want to dance and your hands want to clap. In my markets, you can see bright colors everywhere. There are yummy fruits like sweet mangoes and beautiful fabrics with patterns like rainbows. I love when people laugh and sing here. I am the big, wonderful land of West Africa.

My story started a very, very long time ago, even before your grandparents’ grandparents were born. Way back then, around the year 1500 BCE, clever people made amazing little statues out of clay. They looked just like their friends and family. As time went on, big kingdoms grew here. Around the 8th century, the Ghana Empire had kind kings and queens who shared shiny, bright gold that sparkled in the sun. Later, in the 13th century, the Mali Empire had a famous city called Timbuktu. It was a special place where people came from all over the world to read books and share wonderful ideas.

Today, I am still full of joy and sunshine. If you visit, you might smell delicious Jollof rice cooking for dinner. You will see people wearing bright, beautiful Kente cloth with amazing patterns. You will hear happy music and the sound of children laughing and playing games. Today, I am home to millions of families who tell new stories, sing new songs, and dream big dreams. My heart is full of sunshine and stories, and I love sharing them with the world.