Originally Posted by Hardknock

So let me get this straight, you're saying that blacks have the roots of American culture to draw upon when we say that our connection with Africa has been lost? Is that American culture the same American culture that enslaved my ancestors for a couple hundred years and treated us like shit up until 40 years ago when brave individuals finally stood up and said enough is enough? If that's all the roots I have then frankly, I have nothing and my background is completely and forever lost. It must be nice to be able to go to Ireland and be welcomed by the Irish. I can't do the same. I was born and raised in the state of Alaska. When I tell people this, they always have this wierd look in their face and they always ask me "You're from Alaska?" I say yes and they still have this puzzled look on their face. No one has had the balls to say it to my face yet, but they all think and have the look on their faces that screams "how can a black person come from Alaska?" You don't know how much it hurts to not have a "homeland" per se. A place when you can draw your roots from. I actually envy people who still have their culture to draw upon and have the ability to visit their homelands and be welcomed by everyone. Blacks in America will never have that. We're actually disliked by most Africans due to the fact that we're so disconnected. Personally, it hurts just little bit every single day.