Black Star experience is a lifestyle, not a repackaged ‘Year of Return’ – Rex Omar clarifies

Rex Owusu Marfo, known as Rex Omar, is a Presidential Staffer. He also coordinates the Black Star Experience Secretariat. Recently, he dismissed claims that the Black Star Experience is just a rebranded 'Year of Return.'

In an interview with Amansan Krakye, he explained the initiative. The Black Star Experience is not an event; it’s a year-round lifestyle. Its goal is to promote Ghanaian identity and culture.

"Those claiming it's another form of the Year of Return misunderstand the concept," he stated, as reported by MyNewsGh.com.

Rex Omar clarified that the 'Year of Return' was a specific event. It marked the end of the transatlantic slave trade. In contrast, the Black Star Experience is an ongoing cultural initiative.

"The Year of Return celebrated slavery's end," he said. "That's why they introduced Beyond the Return afterward."

He emphasized that the Black Star Experience celebrates Ghanaian culture every day.

"It’s not just an event but a 365-day way of life," he noted. "It seeks to promote everything Ghanaian to the world."

"Our food and clothes are part of this experience," he added. "Every time you choose a Ghanaian product, you help make the Black Star shine."

According to Rex Omar, this initiative aims to instill national pride. It encourages Ghanaians and those in the diaspora to invest in and celebrate their culture daily.