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On the Sexualization of Black Women and World Travel
And some quick tips to keep us safe on the road
The fears that some Black women may have to travel are valid. The concern our families and friends express is valid.
In spite of these fears and dangers, Black women will (and should) continue to show up and seek the world we are worthy of exploring, but not without eyes wide open.
We’re living in a time when some people believe history, particularly the history of enslaved Africans in America, has no bearing on the present day.
However, historical context is significant in understanding the origins of insidious stereotypes that accompany racism and how we see them play out every day.
In 1962, Malcolm X said:
“The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.”
I would go further and say: The most unprotected, neglected, and disrespected person in the world is the Black woman.
With the worldwide prevalence of White supremacy and anti-Blackness, my personal travel experience has shown me, along with countless stories from Black women, there is nowhere on this planet a Black…
