February is upon us, which means it’s time to look back on how far we’ve come and celebrate Black History Month. We always prefer to experience places and honor their history in person rather than just reading about them, so here are our top five distinguished destinations in the U.S. that come alive during Black History Month, in no particular order:
The story of jazz in France is a fascinating tale of cultural exchange, artistic innovation, and social transformation. This distinctly American music genre, rooted deeply in African-American culture, found a second home in Paris, a city renowned for its appreciation of art and artists. This blog post delves into how jazz was introduced to France and the indelible impact of African-American jazz artists on the Parisian music scene.
The allure of Paris has captivated many, but for African-American creatives during the 20th century, it was more than just a city of romance and beauty. It was a sanctuary of freedom and opportunity, a place where they could express themselves without the constraints of racial prejudice prevalent in the United States. In this blog post, we explore the lives of five notable African-American figures – James Baldwin, Josephine Baker, Richard Wright, Langston Hughes, and Beauford Delaney – and discover how the City of Light became integral to their artistic journeys and successes.
In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of connection, personal growth, and rejuvenation is essential for our overall well-being. One powerful way to achieve this is through black heritage travel, which allows us to explore the rich history and culture of the African diaspora. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to embark on a journey to Cartagena, Colombia, where I visited the Palenques and experienced a profound sense of connection and transformation. In this blog post, I will share the benefits of black heritage travel and how my trip to Cartagena left an indelible mark on my soul.
The Jamaican Maroons are a group of Afro-Jamaicans who have a fascinating history of resistance against colonialism and slavery. Maroon communities were formed by runaway slaves who fled to the hills and mountains of Jamaica, where they established autonomous communities, fought against the British colonial authorities, and preserved their African cultural heritage.
If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience, AmaWaterways’ Soulful Epicurean Experience: Colors of Provence should definitely be on your list. This 10-day adventure takes you on a journey through the South of France, exploring the cultural history of Marseille and the beauty of the Rhône River while shining a light on Black heritage.
