Travellers have lamented that exploring the world and learning about different cultures has made them better people — more open-minded and compassionate and empathic. How many of us take the experiences we gather and transform it into a force for good in our own backyards?
The mainstream narrative for travel is that it impacts us positively by allowing us to learn about different cultures, and as such making us better citizens of the world.
However, what becomes of that once we come back home? Our Instagram feeds are filled with stories of our life-changing experiences, but is that where it stops? In a post? We ask this question especially in light of what is currently happening — and has historically happened — to Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC).
Many of us find the means and resources to volunteer in-destination, support local communities, and prioritise eco-friendly, ethical and responsible travel. So, has all that zeal, compassion and open-mindedness translated in our daily lives and a little closer to home for things that are happening on our doorstep?
If every single one of us is not using some of the same gusto that we travel with to help the BIPOC community right now, travel hasn’t made us better, it’s just fooled us into thinking that we are. If you consider yourself a citizen of the world, it’s time to actively show up for Black Lives Matter and to show solidarity and support for BIPOC.
Support the Black Lives Matter movement
In light of the recent events and the momentum the Black Lives Matter movement has gained, it’s never been clearer that taking legitimate action is the only path forward when it comes to being actively anti-racist.
Many of us want to step up, and the question on our minds is what can we do? We have to use everything we have available to us to answer the call to action. Use your platforms, privilege and resources to support the BIPOC community. Show solidarity by listening and educating yourself, sign petitions, donate if you have the means, and if you can, protest and march in the face of injustice.
In many ways, travellers are at an advantage. We have been exposed to different cultures, values, customs, and ways of living, and we’ve had the opportunity to tap into our empathy, compassion and understanding while exploring the world. It’s time for us to channel all of that right now to support Black Lives Matter.
As a travel publication, we recognise that Days to Come must become a better ally. We hope that you will join us on this road, because it is by far the most important journey we will ever make.
As a traveller, how can I support the BIPOC community?
Travel is yet another industry where BIPOC are severely underrepresented, but in recent years there has been a surge in BIPOC millennials exploring the world and documenting their travels online, giving birth to the Black Travel Movement. You can support the BIPOC community with your passion for travel by following and supporting BIPOC content creators and writers.
Below you will find travel writers, bloggers and influencers to follow and support, along with some causes to support if you have the means to donate, and travel resources for BIPOC globetrotters.
Notable Black women in the travel industry
Jessica Nabongo — the first Black woman to travel every country
Kellee Edwards — the first Black woman to have a show on the Travel Channel
Zim Ugochukwu — the founder of Travel Noire
Sheila Johnson — CEO and founder of Salamander Hotels & Resorts
Cherae Robinson — CEO and founder of Tastemakers Africa
Travel influencers to follow
Travel podcasts
Travel books
Go Girl: The Black Woman’s Book of Adventure and Travel edited by Elaine Lee
A Stranger in the Village: Two Centuries of African-American Travel Writing edited by Farah J. Griffin and Cheryl J. Fish
The Adventure Gap: Changing the Face of the Outdoors edited by Virginia Whatley Smith
Richard Wright’s Travel Writings: New Reflections by James E. Mills
Meeting Faith by Faith Adiele
All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes by Maya Angelou
Searching for Zion by Emily Raboteau
South of Haunted Dreams: A Ride Through Slavery’s Old Back Yard by Eddy L. Harris
BIPOC travel resources
Black Travel Agents – More than just an agent, this travel agency offers a recruitment program for Black women and men.
Travel Noire – Founded in 2014, this digital media provides millennials of the African Diaspora with inspiring content to assist them with discovering destinations and plan trips.
Nomadness Travel Tribe – Founded in 2011 by Evita Robinson, this was the first digital travel community ever created for BIPOC millennials.
Organisations to support
If you know of more, please tell us about them in the comments below so we can add them to this article and spread the word!
