Dwyane Wade and his wife Gabrielle Union celebrated the latter’s 50th birthday last year. What was expected to be a feel good and lighthearted affair took a historical turn when Gabrielle and D-Wade decided to travel all the way to Africa. Looking back into their ancestral roots, the Miami Heat legend was sharing new insights into his career. Notably, Dwyane drew parallels between the NBA draft and a tragic tradition from recent history.

The power couple decided to release the festivities as a show named, “My Journey to 50” with the help of Black Entertainment Television (BET).  In it, both Union and Wade shared some very personal revelations about their lives and histories. 

Dwyane Wade and his wife Gabrielle Union went to Africa 

Amid his busy entrepreneurial life, Dwyane Wade decided to take some time off to celebrate his wife’s 50th birthday last year. Gabrielle previously shared that she wanted to have a memorable 50 and a part of it was visiting a famous river in Ghana. The ‘Last Bath’ is known for its immense colonial history.

Hundreds of years ago, Africans were marched to the river. It would be the last time most of them would see their home continent. As Dwyane Wade put it, “Just thinkin’ man. Bring ’em here clean ’em up. Just to go sell em’. Then they get branded.”

According to many who have visited the river, the rush of the running water instantly gives an insight into the plight of their African ancestors. That is how powerful the river in Ghana is.

Wade, who felt a similar feeling, went a step further to even compare his NBA career with the dark history. 

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“Well, you know, it’s like you go to the NBA, and your physique, it matters. My arms being long, the build of my body, my athleticism. That’s what got me drafted. Same process that changed my family’s life and fortune, the same process that had us enslaved. It’s the same thing. Clean up and let them draft me. It’s still about the same principle,” said the 3x NBA champion.

The Hall of Famer has always been grateful for his life on the hardwood. But clearly, seeing the stark contrast of his roots brought some new feelings to the fore. Of course, D-Wade was not the only one who was moved by the moment.

Gabrielle Union’s feelings in Ghana

According to reports, the 50-year-old had a dark, yet light feeling at Ghana.

As a mother, Gabrielle Union made sure she took her 4-year-old daughter Kaavia as well. The Hollywood actress wanted to ensure that their child knows their history. Union also shared her feelings at the river.

Gabrielle revealed some were weeping, some were crying and some were anguished. However, when she came out of the river, her soul “never felt cleaner or lighter.”

It was a spiritual experience the above couple had, and the two-part series documenting the star couple’s journey is available on BET. What are your thoughts on this journey? Share your take in the comments below.

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