The 6 best US travel destinations for black travelers in 2019
THE UNITED STATES and black travelers have a complex history. The relationship between this country and African American travelers hasn’t always been easy. During the era of Jim Crow laws, black Americans relied on a handbook guide The Negro Motorist Green Book, so they planned trips around the country only visiting places deemed as safe spaces. The guide book included hotels, restaurants, swimming clubs, and more that would openly welcome black travelers.
- Atlanta, GA
Atlanta has long been a go-to for black folks looking to travel to a place where we can find each other. The southern city continues to evolve as a music hub and a place where black businesses are thriving. Whether for the food, nightlife, or history, a visit to Atlanta is crucial for black travelers wanting to experience the roots of black America.
2. Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia is known for a lot of things: sports, history, and music among them. While the city is a big part of America’s history, it is also the pulse of some of the country’s most important black leaders and movements. Black travelers have to visit the liberty city in 2019 because there’s so much to explore.
Abena Bempah, travel blogger and Philadelphian, says, “The city is a must for black travelers intrigued by the origins of the nation and blackness in America.” Philadelphia gave us musical icons like Teddy Pendergrass, Pattie Labelle, The Roots, Meek Mill, and so many more. These artists have collectively shaped soul, neo-soul, and hip hop music — which has inevitably become synonymous with US culture itself. Bempah explains that you can’t visit the city without experiencing the sounds of Philadelphia’s up and coming artists.
For lovers of jazz music add black-owned South Jazz Kitchen to your list. They serve up a multi-course dinner with New Orleans-inspired dishes and accompanying live jazz performance. Besides food, Philadelphia is the home to a lot of art. The African American Museum has a large collection of photographs, paintings, and even an interactive exhibit showcasing the stories of black people in this country. In a less traditional sense, you can find street art painted all over the city. In the 1960s Darryl McCray known by his tagging name, Cornbread, is known to have started the graffiti movement in Philadelphia. Graffiti as a form of expression spread to New York City shortly after and is now practiced worldwide. If you want to see Philly’s best street art, Abena recommends heading to the Spring Arts district where some of the city’s best murals are on display.
3. Detroit, MI
Famously known as the Motor City, Detroit has long been a prominent city for black culture. In its heyday, the Midwest city rose to fame for its innovation in the automobile and music industries. Specifically, Detroit birthed Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and Motown itself. Now, Detroit is still a music-loving city packed with festivals, plenty of restaurants, and a whole lot of black history.
Visiting Detroit at any time of year is sure to be special, but the city really comes alive in the summer. In conversation with Jessica Nabongo, world traveler and writer, the Detroit native explained that her hometown has a lot of history for visitors to explore. From the city’s African American history exhibited at the Charles H. Wright Museum to the many exciting music festivals, Detroit should be at the top of every black traveler’s list for 2019.
4. Oakland, CA
When East Coasters think of California, Los Angeles is usually the first place that comes to mind. For black travelers who are looking to experience another part of California, head to the Bay Area to experience Oakland. From being the legendary birthplace of the Black Panther party to being the home of multiple present-day social movements, Oakland has always been a place of refuge for black people. Now, it is being recognized as a travel destination with so much to see, do, and eat.
Ashleigh Reddy, a photographer and traveler known online as stayreddy, says Oakland is a place that black folks have to experience. If you enjoy being outdoors while traveling, then add this city to the top of your travel list. “There’s so much natural beauty from Lake Merritt to parks like Joaquin Miller State Park that hosts concerts and boasts hiking trails.” Outdoor lovers may also enjoy the Black Joy Parade. Starting in 2018, The Black Joy Parade is a festival celebrating the collective black experience. The parade is held in February during Black History Month, and Reddy described it as being one of the greatest showcases of melanin power.
