Remembering ‘Big Mama’ from Ghana

By ⋅ November 12, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment
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Malkia Brantuo first visited Ghana in the 1970's. (Photo: Laura Lynch)

Malkia Brantuo,a teacher from Detroit who moved to Ghana years ago, died earlier this week. The World’s Laura Lynch had met her last year while covering President Barack Obama’s Ghana trip at Ayensudo Academy, that Brantuo had opened in 2004. Brantuo’s granddaughter sent us this note informing us about this tragic development.

“I am the 1st grandchild of the woman who built the school in Cape Coast, Ghana. My grandmother name is Malkia Brantuo, unfortunatly Big Mama as Everyone called her has passed, 11-8-10. She would have invited you with open arms. The school will continue to operate, also she opened a school in the states as well. Thanks for the interest. If any information is needed please fee free to contact me through my email. Asante’ Peace”

-Ericka Pace

Brantuo was an actively involved in the US civil rights marches of the 1960′s and had been jailed a couple of times. She first visited Ghana in the 1970′s and after a few trips finally settled there in 1989. (Audio available after 5PM Eastern) (Photo: Laura Lynch)

Malkia Brantuo’s interview from last year

Discussion

4 comments for “Remembering ‘Big Mama’ from Ghana”

  • YAA OBUOBEA Obruni

    I remember “BIG MAMA” whom I called, “sister love.”

    Malkia was my friend, I loved her so much; she introduced me to Ghana and for THAT, I love her.

    My first trip to Ghana was with Malkia in November 1984 to January 1985. We had so much fun. When we landed we spent the night in the AMBASSADOR Hotel because it was close to KOTOKA Airport. We spent the other 29 days in the Ringway Hotel on Ring Road.

    Malkia knew, seemingly, EVERYONE IN GHANA. When we were home, we had visitors everyday. GHANA has the friendliest most loving, most lovable people in the whole wide world AND that was one of the reasons Sister Love couldn’t be away from GHANA very long and neither could I.

    Not only did she seem to know EVERYONE, it seemed she knew EVERYWHERE. She took me from AKOSOMBO Dam to Oyster BAY Hotel in Cape Coast Area to the Volta Region, We went to DANSOMA, to Murray Hill to the Cantonments, to the Riviera Beach,Labadi Beach to so many places that I can remember and EVERY where we went we were so welcomed, but her favorite place was ANYWHERE in GHANA near the water. SHE LOVED the sea and so it is only fitting that her final resting place is the Atlantic Ocean.

    She will be so missed, but she will NEVER die; she will live in our hearts and she will live for as long as there is one child living that she taught, inspired and motivated and those children’s own children will benefit from Malkia’s love for them and GHANA.

    Medawase paaa, Sister love,
    May You Rest in perfect peace.
    due due due

    Yaa Obuobea

  • http://www.africanworldmuseum.org Dr. Babakubwa Kweku (Willie Davis)

    Peace to “Big Mama” and her family. I met Mama Malkia in 1974 as a member of the National Black Political Assembly and I, from Grand Rapids, with the Detroit and other delegations in Michigan remember the days that I would travel all over the U.S. for rallies and meetings with she and Brother Sarki (also with the ancestors)and she came to Grand Rapids to our rallies. We also were involved with the National Black United Front. She also helped me and others to start a African Centered School in Lansing, Mi called Pamoja Na Shule and we remained good friends and met in Ghana several times notably at one of the Sullivan Conferences and her home in Cape Coast. I had the good fortune to visit with her in early November, 2009 and went to several ceremonies including a spiritual gathering. I had hoped to go to her birthday party in August 2010. A tremendous spirit which I know will help to continually guide us from that other place where we will meet again. “I will see you in the Soup” Hotep. Babakubwa Kweku

  • Kwesi Amissah-Aidoo

    Honoring my Grandmother; Her Memorial Services in Ghana West Africa will be held on 2,3,4th December 2010 at her house in Elmina, Ghana. if you are in the area email me for details. Thank you everyone for your gracious words

    Oheneba Kwesi Amissah Aidoo

  • Yomi Yomi

    I Met Mama Malkia in Ghana in 2008 and she is a true Mother to all. She gave our group from Detroit a tour of her school and I am honored to have met her. She welcomed everyone with open arms and a big smile. Her life is a true testament to dedication and benevolence. Rest in Peace Mama Malkia Bantuo.

    Yomi Yomi