Dispatches from the English Griot. My American Summer Odyssey: 2026
I’m writing this from the airport, about to return home after two wonderful months in the USA. I’m contemplating an unforgettable coast-to-coast American summer. What began as a journey to immerse myself in World Cup football fever in New York City grew and grew. I travelled across landscapes, histories, landmarks, civil rights histories and the importance of loved ones, family and friends. It reminded me that humanity and kindness are still alive and well in the USA amongst its people, if not its government.
Over the coming weeks, The English Griot will unfold this journey retrospectively. From celebrating family celebrations, writing under the vast desert skies of Arizona, to floating up the San Francisco Bay and sun-soaked beaches of San Diego. The trip gave me space to reflect and refuel on my strategic vision for my consultancy, Creative Connex CIC, and my writing projects, which have reached new heights of creativity. Here is a short summary as a preview!
MY AMERICAN SUMMER ODYSSEY
My coast-to-coast American Summer Odyssey began with flying over the Atlantic Ocean from the UK into New York City. I wanted a taste of the Big Apple’s football festival with the street-fans amidst the backdrop of Manhattan. It’s home from home, due to a large West Indian family and diaspora based in the gritty neighbourhoods of East New York. The area can feel forgotten at times as the rest of the city hurtles towards gentrification.
In Philadelphia, I enjoyed the pomp of America’s 250-year-old divorce-decree from Britain, penned by compromised Founding Fathers. Not even a rough night at the Dallas-Love airport after a delayed flight connection could deter my verve. In Arizona, I experienced climate-busting temperatures amidst blistering desert landscapes. I completed my journey along the Pacific coast, frolicking on the beaches and bonhomie of California on a road trip from San Diego to San Francisco.
I sampled the histories of peoples who encapsulate the phrase blood, sweat and tears from Native American and African-American cultures. I relished the vistas of mountains and hidden creeks. America’s man-made monuments, skyscrapers and bridges are always a wonder of my world. As are the variety of foods, both indigenous and those brought to the land by its united nation of immigrants, plus the natural beauty of blue-sky sunrises and golden sunsets.
Sure, there is much to bemoan, but America’s vibrancy leaves warm memories ahead of darker nights and times. Thank-you to every citizen and non-citizen for making my picture-postcard one magnificent odyssey.
Black Panther Party Minister of Culture Emory Douglas in San Fransciso African-American Art & Culture Complex.
