Traveling as a Black person can be difficult. We've heard racial discrimination stories, watched films of Black bodies being mistreated, and Roger Ross Williams even developed the now Emmy-nominated documentary Traveling While Black to further document our experiences.
The fact is that the tourist business, from public relations to management, is still lacking in diversity, which is part of the problem – especially considering Black Americans contributed $63 billion to the tourism economy in 2018. The world and the travel business are evolving slowly, but Travel Noire was one of the first online communities to aesthetically and editorially highlight Black voices when it launched in 2013.
Zim Ugochukwu, the founder, created a secure area for Black travellers to be visible. Many travel influencers, journalists, and creatives have used their abilities and passion for travel to expand the space for the Black voice and presence in the industry. Each person on this list has developed their own online community from the ground up and brings a unique perspective to the table.
"I quit my job to explore the world solo," Ciara writes on Instagram. It's something we'd like to see. If travelling solo is on your bucket list or you just want to live vicariously through her Instagram account, click the follow button. Ciara's site is packed of information for potential and seasoned solo travellers and stories, in addition to her wanderlust social media feed.
Asiyami Gold is a veteran travel influencer and entrepreneur who understands how to put together an aesthetically stunning grid. Her magazine-like look has helped this multimedia creative amass a fan base of 313,000 (and climbing), and she's even launched an A.Au apparel line inspired by travel.
Karl Shakur is a Kansas-based adventure photographer whose work inspires you to plan a vacation with a side of I want to hang that photo on my wall. He posts a lot of his art on Instagram, but you can see more of it on his website.
Oneika Raymond is a former educator who transformed her passion for travel into a full-time media profession. She is trilingual (she speaks English, French, and Spanish). The new mom has been to more than 115 countries across six continents and presents the Travel Channel shows One Bag and You're Out and Big City, Little Budget.
World Wide Nate: African Adventures is created, executive produced, and hosted by Nathan Fluellen. He's travelled to 60 locations on six continents and regularly updates his 73,000 Instagram followers on his surfing exploits.
Kellee Edwards is a journalist, a licenced pilot, and an accomplished open water scuba diver. What is it that Kellee can't do? She made history by becoming the first Black woman to host a Travel Channel show. Edwards is now the host of Let's Go Together, a new podcast from Travel & Leisure.
Glo or GLOprah is the name given to this creative, coach, and educator who uses her platform to uplift and encourage others. You can hear her speaking frankly about her experiences travelling while Black, as well as aspirational IGTV gems on topics like "Why Most Dreams Fail," "Motivating Her Community," and "Learn to Be Your Own Validation."
On Danni Washington's Instagram, science and travel collide. The Emmy-nominated correspondent is the co-host of CBS's Mission Unstoppable and the co-founder (with her mother) of Big Blue & You, a non-profit dedicated to inspiring and educating young people about marine conservation.
Say hello to Olivia Christine, or O. Christine as she is popularly known in her community. Olivia is a Bronx native who is passionate about health and travel. That's most likely due to her experience with Lupus, which she controls while on the road. The world traveller has visited over 35 countries and utilises her platform to give wellness, travel, and inspiration ideas on both her Instagram and her YouTube channel.
Francesca Murray is an award-winning travel expert, guidebook author, and lifestyle content creator living in Los Angeles. She is a well-known travel expert, and her online platform, One Girl One World, encourages millennials to appreciate culture, eat local cuisine, and interact with people when travelling. Francesca is known for her natural hair and is enthusiastic about promoting self-love.
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