What does black culture mean to you? Truth is, we’ve become so part of society that we no longer remember our roots, where we came from, and what our ancestors had to endure years ago. Embracing black culture is not about opening old wounds. It’s about touching roots, learning who you are, and finding your place in this world.
I’ve seen a lot of people talk about the fact that black culture seems like a dying subject. Joan Thomas, a black woman who is fighting for women’s empowerment, touches deeply on this subject. In one article, she asks, “IS Black Culture Dead?”.
This isn’t an article about racism or what’s wrong with black people. Instead, I want to focus on how we can all embrace black culture through travel. And when it comes to black couples traveling together, this would give both of you a chance to understand your roots better, and discover your culture while strengthening your bond.
How Traveling Can Help You Get In Touch With Your Roots
You might not necessarily think travel might be the ideal way for you to embrace black culture, but hear me out.
Even though we’ve come a long way, many would agree that we continue to experience inequalities in the US today – in fact, as one publication puts it, there’s been a racial preference for whites throughout history.
Going back to your roots – and that means traveling to countries where black culture is openly embraced and celebrated, is sometimes that one thing you need in your life.
It’s not just about going to where black culture is. The fact that you’re sharing this experience with your partner also holds benefits for your relationship, as you’re likely going to find that it strengthens that strong bond. Plus, you get to experience new places, which is always exciting.
Best Travel Destinations For Black Couples To Experience Black Culture
Going to Seychelles to enjoy some time on the beach with bae sounds like a really nice holiday, but that’s not really going to expose you to the culture you want to explore. In fact, this could even become part of your black couple’s bucket list!
Over the years, I’ve gone to so many places with bae, and I always love to share our experiences. However, right now, I actually want to take a look at the places that lets you truly experience black culture for what it should be.
Ghana
When it comes to exploring black culture, one of the first spots you should consider is Ghana. This country has a large black population, and the culture focuses on family values, honoring the rulers, and having respect for the elderly.
In the country, you should take some time when meeting someone new. Show interest in them and their family, as well as their health. A regular handshake will do when you meet someone. It’s also considered good manners in Ghana to keep eye contact when greeting someone.
Senegal
Senegal sits in the Western parts of Africa, and on the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. Throughout the local area, Senegal is considered to be among the most stable of countries. While poverty is a major problem here, there is still a lot of culture that you can explore – and it’s a great destination if you truly want to get down to your roots.
Brazil
A lot of black couples traveling together will consider Brazil a must-visit location when going to South America. In Brazil, it’s often referred to as Afro-Brazilian culture. That’s because the culture has become a combination of African and Brazilian elements. You can expect to experience cuisine, music, religion, and other elements that are deeply rooted into the black culture of this country.
France
France is usually known for delicious pastries and the Eiffel Tower, but there’s also a rich black culture here. They call it Afro-French culture, and there are publications that suggest black culture can be experienced almost anywhere in Paris, as well as other cities in this country.
Netherlands
Finally, don’t forget to consider the Afro-Dutch people. The black people in the Netherlands are mostly of Sub-Saharan African descent, although some decide to move there from other countries in the modern day. If you find yourself in Amsterdam, then be sure to stop by Oost, which is known as the part of the town that’s especially rich in black culture.
Making The Most Out Of Your Experience
Now that we’ve taken a look at some of the best places to go if you want to embrace black culture through travel, let me share a couple of tips that will help you maximize your experience:
- Plan ahead. This is one of the most important things you have to do. If you don’t know about the area you’re going to travel to, then you’ll have a tough and confusing time when you get there.
- Pack light, but make sure you bring clothes that will be comfortable to wear. Check the weather for the duration of time you’ll be at your destination – that way, you’ll know if you should pack warm or rather prepare for hot weather.
- Be sure to research any risks and hazards in the area. For example, if you’re going to an area with mosquitoes, you might want to pack some repellent.
Conclusion
Traveling has a lot of benefits that you can expect, and while it’s something that can help you explore the world, black people can use it as an opportunity to embrace their own culture. Start by visiting some of the countries I mentioned. It’s a great start to find out what happened in the past, but also to see how we’ve integrated into modern-day society.
