The narrative of Black women in the realm of travel has taken a monumental leap forward, painting the globe with vibrant strokes of their experiences. This era marks an unprecedented visibility of Black women, celebrating their adventures overseas, whether embarked upon solo, with friends, or with loved ones. The resurgence of Black women in travel is so significant that the Black Travel Summit recently designated November 11 as National Black Travel Day, highlighting a growing trend where, in 2019 alone, Black Americans contributed an estimated $109 billion to leisure travel.
Tracing the lineage of Black female explorers unveils a rich history, epitomized by Mary Seacole, an entrepreneurial nurse who chronicled her global travels in the seminal “Wonderful Adventures of Mrs. Seacole in Many Lands.” Despite such pioneering figures, the stories of Black women travelers were often overlooked, until the pioneering anthology “Go Girl! The Black Woman’s Book of Travel and Adventure” emerged. Compiled by the visionary Elaine Lee in 1997, this collection weaved together 52 narratives from illustrious Black women such as Maya Angelou and Alice Walker, marking a turning point in how Black women’s travel experiences were shared and celebrated.
This anthology not only made the concept of travel more accessible to Black women but also illuminated the boundless opportunities for exploration and discovery across the globe.
Building on this legacy, Lee is introducing “Go Girl 2: The Black Woman’s Book of Travel and Adventure,” an enriched edition that includes 54 narratives, poems, and photographs. This new compilation introduces voices from a fresh generation of writers like Lola Akinmade Ã…kerström and Lebawit Lily Girma, reflecting the evolving dynamics of travel through the perspectives of Gen Xers and millennials.
Lee, a seasoned traveler herself, discusses the transformative shift in representation and perception of Black women in travel. From a time when Black travel guides were non-existent and the very act of traveling as a Black woman was fraught with isolation and fear, to the current landscape where Black women’s travel experiences are celebrated and shared, Lee has been a catalyst for change.
She highlights the impact of social media and technology in fostering a more inclusive and supportive travel community, making adventures more accessible and safe. For instance, Lee’s personal anecdotes of utilizing platforms like the Black Travel Movement to connect with local Black communities in Peru exemplify how digital tools have revolutionized the way we explore new destinations.
Lee’s journey from carrying cumbersome travel essentials to embracing the digital age underscores the profound changes in how we travel. Her commitment to telling the stories of Black women travelers goes beyond mere travel logs; it’s about cultivating a deeper understanding and respect for the cultures we encounter.
“Go Girl 2” is more than a book; it’s a platform for amplifying the voices of Black women travelers, offering insights into their unique experiences and the wisdom they’ve garnered from the road. Through these stories, Lee aims to inspire, educate, and foster a sense of community among Black women who aspire to explore the world.
As we look towards the horizon, the question posed by Lee resonates: “Where else can the stories of Black women travelers be heard, if not in platforms dedicated to their voices like Blooms.live?” This endeavor not only celebrates the achievements and adventures of Black women but also invites us to envision a world where every journey is an opportunity for growth, connection, and discovery.