Why Black Travel Matters?
For hundreds of years, opportunities to travel were limited to the upper echelons of society and those who were willing to lay down their lives for their country. We recently entered a new era where travel is accessible to a more significant majority of the population, yet many do not capitalize on the opportunity. The United States estimates that less than 40% of its population has an active passport. The number of African Americans who hold passports is a mere fraction. While some African Americans don't travel because they do not see the benefit, others either don't know how to navigate the process or fear ill-treatment outside US borders. All of which results in a small section of the population traveling internationally.
What Black travel does for the world
What you surround yourself with creates your reality. Therefore if your reality only involves one ethnicity, one religious identity, or one sexuality, then your perspective of normalcy is skewed. Unlike in the United States where we are engulfed with different cultures, many countries are less diverse and are only exposed to their own culture. Since so many African Americans are not provided the opportunity to explore the world, the world has an augmented view of what it means to be African-American. Their viewpoint of African American culture is limited to what they see in the media. This primarily involves African-Americans in entertainment such as Beyonce or Rihanna. Due to President Obama's recent tenure as president, their opinions have now been expanded to the understanding that African-Americans do more than just sing and dance for their home country. You may think that I'm exaggerating but many people all around the world do not understand the large piece African-Americans play in American society.
Breaking down barriers and stereotypes
As an international traveler of color, you are an ambassador for your people. You may get asked questions that you find inappropriate or silly but your answer will stick with them for life. When they go home they will tell their friends and family about the African Americans they met and all they learned. Why? Because for them you are a rarity. You are something they heard existed and they’ve seen on television but rarely, or never, interacted with. Yes, it’s a lot of responsibility and you are just one of the millions of people who look like you but you are their window into our culture.
Builds bridges of communication
When you begin to explore the world, the overlapping issues for people of color become very apparent. Until the affordable flights, cell phones, and the internet, we were all disconnected. When abroad you have the opportunity to connect with other people of African descent. This provides you with a chance to connect with someone who looks like you but has a very different life experience and perspective. You may find that there are many similarities such as dealing with racism or prejudices. There will also be many differences such as work and family life structures. These differences give you the chance to reflect on your blessings and shortcomings. There may even be an exchange of ideas on how to better your home experiences. Communication is the key to growth in any relationship. By broadening your network you will be amazed by the positive impacts.
What it does for the black community
Not only do you have a ripple effect outside of your community but within it as well. When people see what you have achieved, it encourages them to do the same. By being the first in your family to go to Spain or Cambodia you have expanded their realm of possibility. Your actions may lead your niece to study abroad because they loved hearing your stories about your adventures. Each generation after you will go even further than the last. Thus resulting in world domination! Just kidding, let’s just aim for world exploration.
Celebrates our culture on a global scale
We have many celebrations at home that exist within our culture. Sharing those experiences with the world allows them to understand us better. Unfortunately, the propaganda promoted by the United States over the past hundred years has left a very inaccurate impression of African American culture. We are deemed dangerous and promiscuous at worst and only worth keeping around for our artistic and athletic skills at best. As a community, we have a beautiful culture filled with soulful food, music, dances, and stories to share and be enjoyed.
Promotes economic development
There is no truer statement than your network determines your net worth. Having an arsenal of international connections is how our country grew to where it is today. Building up our communities with the support and, more importantly, knowledge of a more experienced international player is a huge leg up. The more diverse minds you have working on a problem, the quicker it is solved.
Sharing our stories
The African American experience is often misunderstood and misrepresented. The story of how we got here and the brutal history of our ancestors is continually watered down for international consumption. Our stories are filled with pain and joy and deserve to be told authentically. We are the best orators of the African American experience. As engrossed as you were hearing the stories from your grandparent, is how people from around the world will feel when they hear it for the first time. Travel gives you a chance to see how the narrative has been twisted and the chance to right the wrongs in the story.
Why aren't more African Americans traveling?
I have asked many African Americans why they don’t travel. I have received many responses but the majority are as follows
Concern for safety abroad
There are a lot of safety concerns, especially for people of color who barely feel safe in an area they know.
Lack of funding
For new travelers, it can be very expensive when unaware of where to look for deals and how to leverage memberships.
Lack of interest
Due to a lack of education about what’s out there, many are not interested in leaving the United States or even exploring the USA.
Unsure of how to make it happen
It can be very overwhelming to go through booking a trip to somewhere new for the first few times. Between visas and passports, many don't feel comfortable going through that process alone.
What can we do to increase black travel?
Be the first one. If there is somewhere you want to go, just do it. Even if it means going alone or with just one person. We often fail to realize how many people are watching us or inspired by our actions. Whether you post on social media or not, I can guarantee your exploration will inspire at least one person to dive deeper into their global exploration.
Education is key. Here at Alexandrian Consulting, we educate people of color on how to make their international dreams come true. We teach courses, offer one on one consultations and provide helpful and inspirational articles. If you know someone who is considering going abroad for the first time send them to our website to help them get started.
As the CEO and founder of Alexandrian Consulting, it is my mission to support minorities in traveling, studying, volunteering, and working abroad. After 10 years of backpacking, volunteering, working, and studying abroad, I am excited to share all that I have learned. I hope that you share this article and take the first step to experience a new culture. Happy travels!!
