Sam Ford on the Volta River in Ghana, with the iconic Adomi Bridge in the background — a powerful symbol of connection and progress in West Africa.
As part of our commitment to the Second International Decade for People of African Descent, UNA-Atlanta is proud to highlight the work of Sam Ford, founder of WestAfrican.net, a dynamic digital platform celebrating the culture, creativity, and contributions of the West African diaspora.
A veteran journalist with 50 years of reporting experience, Ford was inspired to launch West African Network by a deep appreciation for history and a desire to create a positive, unifying space for stories rooted in West African heritage. Drawing from both his personal journey and professional background—including decades spent reporting on civil rights, Black history, and international affairs—Ford created the platform to centralize information about the diverse cultures, achievements, and struggles of people across the West African diaspora.
“I didn’t see one place where you could find comprehensive information about the culture of our people,” Ford shared. “It was either politics or religion—but I wanted to put it all together.”
Ford’s work reflects his fascination with the power of the internet to inform, inspire, and connect communities across continents. Through WestAfrican.net, he curates stories that reflect the modern-day evolution of African identity—highlighting everything from the return of descendants of enslaved Africans to Benin and Nigeria, to the presence of West African heritage in places like Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States.
“My favorite stories were informational stories—to tell people what they don’t know,” he explained. Whether it’s revealing little-known histories such as the enslaved Africans held by Cherokee Indians or spotlighting leaders who bridged continents through activism and education, Ford’s mission is rooted in truth-telling and cultural affirmation.
More than just a digital archive, WestAfrican.net is a space for cultural dialogue, memory, and forward-looking vision—aligned closely with the United Nations' global goals for recognition, justice, and development for people of African descent. Ford is particularly passionate about presenting history in a way that is affirming and connective: “I like history that is supportive of Black people—not accusatory of others—but something positive that helps unite us.”
UNA-Atlanta is pleased to partner with Ford to bring you these stories—amplifying voices too often overlooked and fostering deeper understanding and connection across the African diaspora. As he continues to grow the platform and plan interviews with notable figures, Ford remains committed to using storytelling as a tool for education and empowerment.
We invite our members and readers to explore WestAfrican.net and engage with this vibrant, evolving community resource.
A veteran journalist with 50 years of reporting experience, Ford was inspired to launch West African Network by a deep appreciation for history and a desire to create a positive, unifying space for stories rooted in West African heritage. Drawing from both his personal journey and professional background—including decades spent reporting on civil rights, Black history, and international affairs—Ford created the platform to centralize information about the diverse cultures, achievements, and struggles of people across the West African diaspora.
“I didn’t see one place where you could find comprehensive information about the culture of our people,” Ford shared. “It was either politics or religion—but I wanted to put it all together.”
Ford’s work reflects his fascination with the power of the internet to inform, inspire, and connect communities across continents. Through WestAfrican.net, he curates stories that reflect the modern-day evolution of African identity—highlighting everything from the return of descendants of enslaved Africans to Benin and Nigeria, to the presence of West African heritage in places like Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States.
“My favorite stories were informational stories—to tell people what they don’t know,” he explained. Whether it’s revealing little-known histories such as the enslaved Africans held by Cherokee Indians or spotlighting leaders who bridged continents through activism and education, Ford’s mission is rooted in truth-telling and cultural affirmation.
More than just a digital archive, WestAfrican.net is a space for cultural dialogue, memory, and forward-looking vision—aligned closely with the United Nations' global goals for recognition, justice, and development for people of African descent. Ford is particularly passionate about presenting history in a way that is affirming and connective: “I like history that is supportive of Black people—not accusatory of others—but something positive that helps unite us.”
UNA-Atlanta is pleased to partner with Ford to bring you these stories—amplifying voices too often overlooked and fostering deeper understanding and connection across the African diaspora. As he continues to grow the platform and plan interviews with notable figures, Ford remains committed to using storytelling as a tool for education and empowerment.
We invite our members and readers to explore WestAfrican.net and engage with this vibrant, evolving community resource.
