In the US, February has been designated as Black History Month. It is a time to recognize and celebrate the Africa diaspora and African American history. In light of Covid 19, this year, Black History Celebrations have been different to say the least. I must say that while I miss all of the in-person activities and events, the pandemic has shown me new ways to celebrate Black History Month…
In the past, I have enjoyed visiting museums and even traveling throughout the Africa diaspora during Black history month. I have found myself enjoying rich content from museums around the country, including the following:
Friends of African American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL - @friendsofaarlcc
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC - @nmaahc
The National Museum of African American Music in Memphis, TN - @tennesseepac
The Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, TN - @ncrmuseum
The Getty Museum in Los Angeles, CA - @gettymuseum
As a travel agent, who specializes in Africa and the diaspora, I must say I miss traveling especially during this time of year. I have typically traveled somewhere in the Africa diaspora during Black history month. It was my way of celebrating the month. Last year in February, I received my African name, Yaa Asentawa, while traveling to Ghana as part of a trade mission delegation from Ft. Lauderdale. The year before that, I spent time in South Africa. This year, however, presented a new reality and opportunity to do something totally different.
For me, our current reality presented a new way to be and in response to the pandemic, my professional pivot included the creation of virtual travel experiences specifically virtual field trips.
My first clients were the students of Ft. Mill Middle School in Ft. Mill, South Carolina. They were able to travel virtually to Accra, Ghana where they met with students from the Alpha Beta Educational Centres. Ghana’s past and present connection to American history, made it the perfect destination to kick off Travel to do Good’s VISA (Virtual Interactive Study Abroad) program series while also recognizing Black History Month.
During the virtual field trip, the students became ambassadors who had the unique opportunity to connect, learn and grow through conversations with their peers in another country. The dialogue was rich and impactful.
It is our vision at Travel to Do Good, that these virtual field trips will create more opportunities for conversations to break down the barriers, walls, and fears that often keep us separate. Leaving my footprint in this way is one way my company can take our place as history makers during Black History Month. We do good by promoting understanding and unity, one conversation at a time.
I always say Black History happens, 365-24/7. There are always moments to celebrate during the month of February and beyond. So, how will YOU celebrate Black History? Is there a country in the Africa diaspora that you would like to learn more about? Are you up to traveling there in the near future in real-time or virtually?
Either way, you do it, we are here for you. For more information on our virtual field trips to the Africa diaspora, please visit www.traveltodogood.com ♥️ #blackhistorymonth ♥️ #blackhistorymonth2021 ♥️ #february2021
