Black History Month Wrap-Up

If you aren't on Facebook as much or at all anymore, then you probably missed some or all of my Black History Month travel stories, but don't worry, because I've rounded them all up for you to read at your leisure. While Google is complying in advance to the government wanting to do away with Black History Month, I continue to get 400 emails a day regarding travel, and many of those have great Black travel stories, which I have been saving for this and my own travels.

"The Wonder Gaze" from Ken Gonzales-Day's Erased Lynchings series

Remember, Black history IS important history, especially in America, and educating yourself on that history while you travel is smart. It may rarely be feel-good, but history isn't there to make you comfortable. I hope you will add some important local history and culture to each of your trips, so you understand more about your destinations by the time you go home.

"The White Man's Burden" by Deanna Bowen

February 1

Nature and outdoors is for everyone. Disappointed by the low percentages of people of color visiting U.S. national parks, Diamon Clark and Kristen Walker are creating a sense of ownership through Our Parks Too.

February 2

When you know historical facts most others don't, you go out and teach it yourself! Sampson Levingston leads walking tours in Indianapolis that cover histories even locals are surprised by.

February 3

Most of America's music has roots in Native American and Black culture. Learn the history of music at the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville.

February 4

Black cowboy culture is more than just a moment; it is a reclamation of history as it happened. What you never learned about cowboy culture from all those westerns you used to watch.

February 5

In sports that are historically classist and white, these people are making skiing and snowboarding more inclusive to POC.

February 6

When the duo behind Houston’s Bludorn restaurant took a pilgrimage to Senegal, they brought back a new definition of hospitality—and an appreciation for the flavors of home.

February 7

Get smarter in minutes, when you follow Blair Imani. She gives you bite-size vids about Black history, Black-owned businesses, world events, clothing, makeup, and more!

"Love and Loss in the Milky Way" by Fred Wilson

February 8

Washington DC's iconic carousel has a nice piece of Civil Rights history.

February 9

You can find Black history everywhere, even if you think there isn't any. Even in Paris, you can learn about poets and activists and painters.

February 10

There is still a grave underrepresentation of Black owned breweries, wineries, and spirit makers. Here are some fantastic businesses to support.

February 11

Black Restaurant Week is a celebration aimed at introducing you to the diverse tastes of African American, African, and Caribbean cuisine throughout the country. Whether you’re dining at a restaurant, bakery, café, or food truck, diners can savor budget-friendly menu selections and explore a rich array of international flavors.

February 12

If you want to learn more about how to use your garden plants (or those found in your local woods or park or while you're traveling around new places), follow Alexis Nikole, better known as @BlackForager on FB and IG. She's a lovely Black creator that knows SO MUCH about foraging and using plants to make amazing things.

February 13

Even though Black travelers spend roughly $109 billion annually on domestic leisure travel, making up more than 13 percent of the U.S. travel market, they’re often underrepresented in destination messaging and initiatives. New York is making sure Black travelers have the Empire State on their list of must-visit destinations.

February 14

From the exhibits at The National Constitution Center to the founding of the African Methodist Episcopal or AME church, there’s more African American history to be revealed, digested and remembered in Philadelphia than meets the eye.

"White Noise, American Prayer Rug" by Nicholas Galanin

February 15  

Once a holding cell for kidnapped Africans, the island’s House of Slaves is today a UNESCO World Heritage site—and the site of healing and atonement.  

February 16

Do you need a dose of happy in your day? Follow ColorMeCourtney for colorful outfits, travel, and decor. Find her @Colormecourtney on IG and other socials.

February 17

Celebrate Black History Month all year long with your favorite Black‑owned restaurants redefining vegan cuisine.

February 18

Follow in the footsteps of Black thinkers, traders, and leaders who contributed to the rich history of Hawai‘i.

February 19

From vibrant villages near Cartagena to historic sites in West Africa and the Caribbean, many places worldwide have preserved structures in places that encapsulate the essence of Black heritage and stories.

February 20

If you love Disney, Universal, haunted houses, Harry Potter, and food & hotel reviews, Adriana is your girl. She runs her own YT channel and is also the host of Iconic Eats, where she tries theme park and cruise food and drinks. We love her. She's bubbly and enthusiastic about everything she does. Find her @bibbidibobbidi_broke on YT and all the socials.

February 21

Amtrak Presents Freedom of Movement: The Legacy of Train Travel in Black History (video)

Historical timeline, with what I think is one of the most "interesting" eras

February 22

Motorcycle pioneer Bessie Stringfield made history when traveling alone as a Black woman was unimaginable.

February 23

Unlike Ellis Island, a tourist destination with a must-see museum and database where visitors can track their lineage, there's little in Charleston memorializing the area's relationship to the African American experience.

February 24

Sibongile Sambo, a rejected flight attendant, started her own aviation business, making history as Africa's first all-female jet company.

February 25

It's always worth it to rent a car and take a day trip from New Orleans, especially if you're looking for deep history. This building was the headquarters of a historic Black benevolent society and remains the oldest virtually unaltered jazz hall on earth.

February 26

If you love Disney and fitness, Brittany Noelle meshes the two together. She's bubbly and you'll often find her donning her wizard gear at the parks, as well as showing folx how to do workouts for any level that are tailored to specific characters. Find her @magicalfitbritt on IG. For more just fitness videos, find her on @b_noellefitness.

February 27

Asheville, North Carolina, is now home to one of the few Black heritage trails in Appalachia. This 1-mile trail passes through 3 neighborhoods.

February 28

Tayo Aina's rise from Uber driver to internationally acclaimed African Travel Content Creator and storyteller is inspiring.

I hope you were able to add some new destinations to your travel list and maybe were inspired to look for more ways to include important history in your travels. You don't always have to visit museums to do it.

Do you have a favorite Black history museum, tour, or restaurant? Tell me below!