The process was a challenge — she had to navigate building the truck, hiring and training staff and figuring out where she can park daily. But for Gordon, the risk was worth it, because living with people who look like her is freeing and gives her a sense of belonging.

“I feel like this is the motherland,” Gordon said. “This is where it all started. This is where we came from. And I feel like it’s so important for us to know where we came from. … And once you find your roots and you find your history, you have a sense of confidence knowing that ‘OK, I’m important. I came from important people. My people fought for me to be here today.'”

Some say there’s a growing connection fueled by history to change the future.

“I think in the next five to 10 years, you’re going to see a larger connection between the diaspora and the continent,” Frehiwot said. “I think that history shows us that this is just the continuation of the relationship that we’ve had.”