Drinking Senegalese Tea with Mint after a Visit to the Slave House of Gorée Island

A poetic exploration of cultural identity and historical memory, 'Drinking Senegalese Tea with Mint after a Visit to the Slave House of Gorée Island' delves into the emotional and linguistic complexities experienced by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers during her visit to Gorée Island. The work reflects on themes of displacement, ancestral anger, and the interplay between African and American identities, using vivid imagery such as the ocean's role in both historical trauma and personal connection. Jeffers' narrative approach—blending autobiography, cultural critique, and poetic language—challenges conventional narratives about Gorée Island, particularly its representation as a site of both slavery and resistance. The poem captures the tension between Senegalese customs and her own unruly identity, while also acknowledging moments of connection and healing through shared rituals like tea-making. This work contributes to broader discussions on memory, heritage, and the emotional weight of visiting sites with complex historical legacies.

Jeffers, H. F. (2013). Drinking Senegalese Tea with Mint after a Visit to the Slave House of Gorée Island. Prairie Schooner, 87(1), 19–20. https://doi.org/10.1353/psg.2013.0020