Sojourn Noir

07/04/2026

As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary of independence, it is fitting to acknowledge the historical struggle of African Americans in their pursuit of freedom. At Sojourn Noir, we affirm that the right to travel freely throughout the United States is a fundamental right protected under the United States Constitution. We regard travel as an inalienable right essential to the pursuit of happiness. Historically, African Americans were denied this liberty, often facing fatal consequences as a result of violations. The ability to move freely and without encumbrance is one of the six key areas of focus for Sojourn Noir, specifically in the realm of outdoor recreation and adventure travel. The intentional creation of beauteous spaces for Black individuals to rest and enjoy leisure activities is an act that challenges the historical narrative this country established for Black descendants of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Today, vestiges of past denials to share outdoor spaces with African Americans persist, often eliciting tragic responses. Efforts are being made to raise awareness about the existing inequities related to safe access to outdoor spaces for African Americans. We encourage readers to peruse the books freatured in this post to gain a deeper understanding and awareness of why outdoor activities such as jogging, birdwatching, hiking, swimming, camping, etc., while Black, can still pose a threat to the safety of Black people. Explore York County PASusquehanna National Heritage AreaYork County History CenterWeCo York, PADCNR -BUREAU OF FORESTRYDCNR DepartmentvisitPARep. Carol Hill-Evans

06/19/2026

Travel is one of the indelible rights of Freedom and the “Pursuit of Happiness”

06/19/2026

Today as we commemorate the Freedom of Black people enslaved in America, let’s look at the construct of work as it relates to preventing full emancipation of our authentic selves. The construct of work in this country is designed to keep one on the perpetual grind the prevents one from actualizing the total freedom that self care allows.

08/04/2025

08/04/2025

I visited Paris in 2024 for the first time. I took the Josephine Baker tour with Bryan Scott Bagley, from my hometown Baltimore. We traced the steps of Josephine and I paid tribute with my banana dance inspired outfit and belt I made. If ever in Paris, you must take Bryan’s tour. Black Paris is a must is everything!!
See tour link and more information below
https://www.airbnb.com/l/ZhkuUruY

In this special episode, Andscape columnist William C. Rhoden and Brian Scott Bagley – a Baltimore, Maryland, native who founded the Musée Joséphine Baker de Paris – visit the site of Chez Josephine Baker, the first cabaret owned by the legendary American dancer/singer in the 1920s. Bagley div...

08/02/2025

Sojourn Noir focuses on six areas of interest as it relates to African American travel. The selection of these areas was informed by our proprietary research collected from African American travelers combined with historical research of Black leisure travel in the United States since the 17th century.
These areas consist of:
Rest and Relaxation
Outdoor Recreation
Culinary and Cuisine
Retail
Arts and Entertainment
Culture and History

05/09/2025

The lived experience of this travel content blogger althoigh chronicles one experience, happens all too often to Black tourists. I am happy to see travel content creators share travel from the Black perspective including the good, bad and ugly. Data and research proves Black travelers experiences can be quite different and varying gradations from their white travel counterparts. The disparate treatment of Black travelers has been substantially documented. In the United States in a recent Trip Advisor survey 1 in 5 Black travelers reported experiencing discrimination. (Side note: I think this is much higher) In a 2023 survey conducted by MMGY, 46% of Black travel planners said their clients felt unwelcome in any given travel destination. That’s 50 % and 1 out of every two. Sojourn Noir’s mission and core values views the Black travel through a historical lens. Our mission is twofold, while we encourage and amplify the voice of Black travelers, more importantly we look to work with the tourism industry to address the challenges of Black tourists. We understand that travel and leisure was never intended for descendants of the Transatlantic slave trade. No wonder as we traverse the highways and byways of the United States of America we often encounter racism. Sojourn Noir continues to do the research and to report documented research on the disparate treatment of Black travelers. We created 23 hours of solution orientated and practical based learning to help tourism facing business and organization to make their businesses and destination welcomlmg to Black travelers. Stay tuned as we share more about our “Bring Yourself Here” Toirism and Hospitality Learning Series.
Wishing You Welcoming, Belonging, and Respectful Travels