When I founded Melanin Travel six years ago, a platform dedicated to leading the African diaspora in exploring the world through experiences and events, I did so out of frustration. I struggled to find travel information from people who shared my experiences and quickly realised that Black voices were often missing from the conversation.
I’ve been lucky to travel from a young age, so once I started to explore the world as a solo traveller, I felt a responsibility to fill that void. I’ve connected with incredible Black women in the process who not only play a hand in shaping the narrative for Black travellers but also leave a lasting impression on the wider travel community.
As we commemorate this year’s Black History Month under the theme Saluting Our Sisters, I can think of no better way to celebrate than by amplifying Black women who are as diverse as the destinations they explore but are united by their passion for pushing the Black travel movement forward.
Here are four incredible Black women who are redefining travel.
Martinique Lewis
Martinique’s influence extends far and wide. As the author of the ABC Travel Greenbook, she connects travellers to the global African diaspora, inspired by the historic Negro Motorist Green Book. Her recent launch, the ABC Travel Greenbook app, offers 170,000 listings of Black-owned restaurants, businesses, and cultural hubs worldwide. In just three months, the app has surpassed over 9,000 downloads.
Martinique is also the driving force behind the Black Travel Alliance, an organisation dedicated to educating and equipping Black professionals in the travel sector. Her track record also includes serving as an advisory board member for Condé Nast Traveler US and Hurtigruten. Her National Geographic show, Black Travel Across America, chronicles her journey to both historically listed Green Book locations and contemporary Black travel destinations.
Martinique is more than a prominent figure; she’s a dear friend and sister. We formed an instant connection after reaching out to help at one of my earliest events. Her unwavering passion for change in the travel industry is something that is felt by travellers, travel professionals, and everyone lucky enough to know her. She doesn’t speak in platitudes; she takes action. Knowing Martinique, there’s no doubt that even with all of these achievements under her belt, her journey is just beginning, and the best is yet to come.
Popi Sibiya
Authenticity is a desired trait in travel influencing and Popi Sibiya, an online travel creator, embodies it effortlessly. Hailing from South Africa, her entertaining and educational vlog-style content takes her audience on a journey across the African continent. I discovered Popi through a mutual friend’s recommendation and was blown away by how fearless and relatable she is. From voodoo temple ceremonies in Benin to navigating a coup in Gabon, watching her content remains an informative experience.
Popi’s dedicated community eagerly waits for her updates. Although she posts content publicly, Popi charges a mere 70 rand (£3) to enter her inner circle, which people happily subscribe to. With insider tips from her travels, she’s become a guide for those who seek to explore the continent just like her.
Her latest achievement is a remarkable six-month road trip from South Africa to Ghana, where she arrived a few days ago. African creators also receive less visibility than their white counterparts when influencing the narrative over their own continent, so Popi challenges the common portrayal of Africa by amplifying stories that deserve attention. She owns her narrative, enabling others to do the same.
As I started my solo travel journey ten years ago, Popi is the representation I hoped to see. Travellers today are lucky to have her as a guide to enjoying the African continent.
Aisha Shaibu-Lenoir
In 2019, Aisha founded Moonlight Experiences, a pioneering LGBTQ+ travel company dedicated to queer culture and history. Through her work, Aisha strives to educate and facilitate understanding by decolonising travel to make it more accessible. Her team, comprised of 25+ LGBTQ+ activists and creatives, hosts trips worldwide from Europe to Africa to Asia. Her contributions have not gone unnoticed, as she was named Contiki’s LGBTQ+ Ambassador this year. Aisha’s influence even extends to Airbnb, where she serves as a Community leader and was invited to their headquarters to speak about making the experiences platform safer for the LGBTQ+ community.
Being Black British with roots in Ghana and Nigeria, Aisha noticed the concerning trend that tourism services for the queer community primarily catered to white gay men. This led her to create visibility and opportunities for others who look like her. Aisha warmly welcomes allies to join experiences – whether to learn or simply enjoy.
My admiration for Aisha’s work began when we met years ago and I’ve loved seeing her win ever since. She champions of Black travel and recognises that intersectionality plays a significant role in our journeys. Aisha’s presence in the travel space is a gift and I am grateful that she can amplify and celebrate queer experiences from the forefront.
Anita Francois
Born in London to Seychellois and Haitian American parents, Anita has always been fascinated with cultural heritage. Her journey as a museum curator led to creating solo spotlighting Afro-Indigenous communities around the globe, planting the seeds for her interest in the Black travel movement in 2016.
Today, Anita is firmly planted in the travel industry as the founder & CEO of Black Travel Summit, committed to supporting, empowering and creating opportunities for the Black travel community. Acting as a connector and ecosystem creator, Anita brings together travel professionals of all generations, including entrepreneurs, influencers, travel advisors and those eager to partner with Black-owned businesses.
What began as virtual webinars – attracting over 8,000 viewers during the covid pandemic – has evolved into a fully-fledged global summit for 300 attendees in Miami. With the second global summit on the horizon between 20-22 October, Anita has received support from notable sponsors like Hyatt, WeTravel, and Royal Caribbean from the very beginning – a testament to how valuable her idea is industry-wide
While we’ve yet to meet in person, Anita’s online presence and our recent conversations affirmed her passion and dedication to uplifting the Black community. Anita is not only redefining travel but also building bridges to empower the Black travel community,
While I have yet to meet Anita in person, her online presence and recent conversations with her have affirmed her passion and deep dedication to uplifting the Black community – amongst ourselves but also to wider society. Anita Francois is redefining travel and building bridges to connect and empower the Black travel community, securing a brighter journey for generations to come.