The Black Travel Movement
Despite popular belief, black people travel EVERYWHERE! We do all things, we go all places. We ski, we hike, we scuba-dive, we sky-dive, we camp, we are luxury travelers, budget travelers, solo travelers, family travelers, nothing is off limits.
We have always had the desire to explore the world but the limitations imposed on black people, really since the Transatlantic Salve trade, have hindered our ability to see the world unlike our white counterparts. 400 years later, we are still fighting for a seat at the table as systemic racism is still woven into almost every element of our lives.
If we focus more on U.S. history, one of the first modern day Black Travel Movements began about 100 years ago also dubbed the Great Migration. From 1916 to 1970, shortly after the breakout of World War I, millions of black people left the South and headed north for increased wages and better opportunities. This when one of the most profound resources to support black travel was created.
1) The History: Where it Started
The concerns of Traveling While Black have been a topic of conversation in the black community for centuries. However, in the 1930’s, specifically in the United States, the Negro Motorist Green Book was created by Victor Hugo Green, a postman from Harlem. As more black people were beginning to own automobiles they wanted to travel more. However, due to repressive Jim Crow laws and segregation, it was difficult for African Americans, whether traveling for business or for pleasure to be able to find places that would be welcoming to them. Mr. Green had an idea to create a Guide Book that ended up being the “Black Travel Bible during these times.
It served as a critical resource that outlined gas station, restaurants, hotels etc. that would serve black people in a time where a wrong turn could mean your life. This resource really helped to shape travel in the 1900’s for people of color and now there is resurgence of new resources to do the same for black people in the 21st century.
2) The Modern-Day Movement
There has definitely been a shift in the black community in recent years to spend more time and money on travel. With more disposable income and the onset of social media, black travelers now have the ability to communicate and reassure other black travelers of the safety of destination by showcasing their travel content in the form of TikTok Videos, Instagram Reels, Photos, etc.
Additionally, there are various Facebook groups where black travelers share information about their travel experience, travel groups that specialize in organizing trips specifically for black travelers, and even travel review sites dedicated specifically to black travelers (https://greenbookglobal.com). There is an ever-growing number of resources that are helping to prepare and inspire black travelers to see the world.
Here is a list of 53 of the black bloggers and 23 black travel groups you should follow in 2022 for you to consider.
3) The Impact
Taking a look at the travel industry is an immensely important aspect of the Black Travel Movement because even if black travelers are traveling the world more, that doesn’t mean the travel industry is changing. Over the last decade, the voices of black people are slowly being elevated in the travel space and it is resulting in incremental change. However, very small increments. There is still much farther to go. Black social media pages, Black travel Tech, Black media companies, etc. are all playing its role in the Black Travel Movement to ensure we have a seat at the table while also while making a table of our own.
