The Young Traveler’s Network series showcases candid interviews of young people worldwide and the inspiring stories of how they navigate their lives and travels. From high school trips abroad to becoming an ex-pat in some of the most remote corners of the world, these young travelers share their stories to educate, inspire, and empower others to take a travel risk or two, and see the world!
I’m excited to share my interview with Young Traveler, Shermee Randolph, who seeks out the many variations of the Black (with a capital “B”) diaspora in her world adventures in hopes of further understanding her own Black experience more.
Hello Shermee! Welcome and thank you for offering to speak on your experience as a Black traveler who seeks Black culture! Please give a quick introduction of yourself.
Hi! My name is Shermee Randolph and I am 23 years old.
I just graduated from the University of San Diego with my BA in Environmental Studies, and I was born and raised on the South-Side of Chicago.
I’m also a Gates Millennium Scholar. This travel scholarship is how I was able to afford multiple study abroad trips—Semester at Sea, London, Argentina, and Australia!
What made you want to talk about this topic to the Young Traveler’s Network?
The reason why I want to speak on this topic is that blackness is often viewed in one light.
I remember growing up only seeing and believe that there was one universal way of being Black. It wasn’t until I got older and started traveling is when I realized that there is no one true way to be Black.
I had allowed the American media to brainwash me into thinking that we were all the same.
Black culture is unique and can be found in places outside the U.S. and Africa.
Also, the media’s portrayal of Blackness affects how people interact with me in different countries. I often get a lot of stares and/or photos taken while traveling. Seeing a Black person is new to some people, yet Black culture lives in their everyday lives somehow.
This is why I believe learning about Blackness or exploring how Blackness affects your traveling is a great lens to travel with in order to enhance your experience.
I also want to be clear that I am speaking as a Black woman from the U.S. A lot of my encounters will be from a U.S. perspective.
It wasn’t until I got older and started traveling is when I realized that there is no one true way to be black. I allowed the American media to brainwash me into thinking that we were all the same. Click To Tweet
I am so happy to have you, and thank you for that! If you don’t mind me asking, would you share what ethnicity or cultural background you identify with? For context.
I identify as an African-American or Black American. My mother’s side of the family is from Mississippi and my father’s side of the family is from Mississippi and Louisiana.
Other than that, I don’t know that much about my family history. Thanks, slavery 🙂
I became interested in this subject because, as I was traveling, I noticed that my experience looked and felt different than my non-Black counterparts. I wanted to explore this topic more and learn about what Blackness looks like in different countries. It’s been a great way for me to learn about different cultures as well as learn more about myself as a black woman who travels.
“Black” is a very nuanced and diverse diaspora of people. In your eyes, what is the difference between “Black” and African-American?
To me, the term “Black” is an umbrella term. It encompasses all who have African heritage.
Terms like African-American, Black-American, African, Caribbean, etc. are ways to identify someone regionally. I’m aware that most people from countries with a high concentration of black people use different methods to categorizes themselves within the country (like tribes). Being black doesn’t unify them. They usually like their nationality to be their identity.
Also, people who are from countries where the concentration of Black people may be low sometimes see themselves as Black but may have to fight for their national identity. Depending on where you are from, how you identify yourself within Blackness looks different.
For me, while in the U.S., I see myself as a black person—but when I’m traveling, I see myself as a Black-American. Click To Tweet
The reason why this context changes is because I find myself having to fight for my American identity while traveling. I find myself getting grouped with those from the Caribbean or African countries while traveling.
This doesn’t bother me, but it goes to show how limited some people’s exposure to Black people is.
I completely agree and you make a great point. So, what do you look for when you say you are exploring Blackness and the space it occupies? In which country did you first find yourself doing this?
Japan was the first country I visited that made me want to understand blackness around the world.
When my friends and I began to travel around the country we noticed a lot of rap and hip-hop culture. When we went to restaurants, we would hear the explicit version of rap songs and be very confused.
It’s no secret that some Asian and Black cultures work together in some space, but it was still interesting to see how Black culture was adapted into everyday life for some Japanese, yet there aren’t many Black people around. How most people from Asian countries react to black people so shockingly but not Black culture tells a lot about the delivery of Black culture.
In countries where Black people aren’t known to have a long history in them, I like to see how Black culture lives in those spaces—whether it’s through food, clothing stores, hairstyles, etc. Black people find multiple ways to make their presence known and become a part of the culture.
While in Japan, my friend and I visited a Black-owned soul food restaurant. In countries where Black people are often erased from their history, like Latin American countries, I like to learn about how Black people keep their legacy alive and help rewrite history.
In African and Caribbean countries, I like to see how natives interact with Black-Americans as well as see how these countries try to fight against modern colonization and keep their countries alive. Countries in areas like North America, Europe, and even Australia, with major cities that are a little more racially diverse, I like to learn about migration and survival in Eurocentric spaces.
What is 'Black'-ness? It varies for every country, context, and curl. Click To Tweet
I love your objective analyses of the interpretation of Black culture! Do you have any other countries that you found Blackness particularly interesting in? Perhaps in terms of how black people are accepted/not accepted, how much their culture has incorporated Blackness, and the other social measurements you mentioned.
Two come to mine: Argentina, and Australia.
Blackness in Argentina
Argentina is known for its white-washing.
The country was unfortunately extremely successful at eliminating the Black slave population, so now Black people make up less than 1%. In the capital city of Buenos Aires, you are even less likely to run into anyone Black.
While there, my friends and I were lucky enough to attend a few parties that were hip-hop, Afro-beats, or Caribbean music focused. While traveling within the country I didn’t feel unsafe, but I could tell that people were looking at me differently.
A lot of Black history is gone from Argentina, which is a true shame. Black people in Argentina are credited for creating the tango, being a part of gaucho culture, and more. The few remaining are trying their best to become recognized and acknowledge by the government for their ancestors’ contribution to Argentina.
Blackness in Australia
In Australia, the term Black is often used to describe its aboriginal population. This group is treated very similarly to Native Americans in the U.S.—often, forgotten and mistreated.
One thing I did notice is that aboriginal culture is often used in tourism in Australia. I think Western Australians do try to do their part to acknowledge them in some situations, but often fall short when it comes to respecting them.
As for Black people outside of Australia that come to visit, this country is known for being very racist and prejudicial. Although I didn’t have a hard time while traveling, I did hear about some terrible encounters.
What travel experiences did you find common amongst countries while traveling as a black woman? What countries have you felt the safest and enjoyed the most? Which countries have you liked the least?
An experience I found common in most Asian countries I’ve been to is people touching my hair and taking photos of me. Also, having to explain to people that Black Americans do exist! In big cities that are diverse, I don’t run into this problem, but there are some experiences of micro-racism.
As far as when I felt the safest, I would say I had the best time in Vietnam, Fiji, and Indonesia. I felt welcomed and was able to enjoy my time without weird interactions.
My least favorite country was definitely China. I got licked by a child at the Great Wall of China.
Overall, what do you think is the general consensus on black people over the world at the moment? Do you feel a general global acceptance of blackness and that a conscious movement away from Eurocentric ideology is happening? Or are we less progressive than we think, and we still have a long way to go?
This question is tricky. In some countries, I do believe that being Black can either make your experience amazing or a living hell.
As more Black people begin to travel, the global attitude towards Black people begins to change on a micro-level. Some people have thought that Black people didn’t exist, and now that more Black people do exist, do travel, more people understand that Blackness doesn’t always look, talk, or act the same. As more Black people begin to travel, the global attitude towards Black people begins to change on a micro-level. Click To TweetI wouldn’t say the acceptance of Blackness people is happening, but an acceptance of Black culture is. Unlearning your feelings towards Black people will take time and generations to remove the biases. There is so much more to learn.
Thank you so much for your candid answers and truly awesome insight, Shermee.
In closing, do you have any advice for other young black travelers who want to start paying more attention and seeking out black spaces when they travel? Are there certain resources they can turn to, or things they can try to get a true black experience abroad?
For those interested in learning about Black history and people while traveling try to look up the country’s history before going there. Often times history will remove black people but trust me we have made major contributions all over!
- In bigger cities, it may be easier to find black spaces. I often use Google to see if I can find anything Black within a country. Travel Noir is an amazing online platform that has dedicated its work to blackness across the world.
- Also, Facebook groups that focus on Black travel experiences are useful. My favorite are Bucket List Beasts, Nomad-ness Travel Tribe, and Melanin Globe.
- And lastly, go on trips that are put on by black travel companies. Some companies to check out are Chidi Ashley Travel, Tastemakers Africa, Passport Posse, Black Adventuristas, just to name a few.
- I think its best to enjoy yourself and don’t allow your blackness to stop you from traveling. There will be some uncomfortable experiences but keep pushing. Traveling is about growing and learning from others. Have fun and be respectful.
If anyone has any questions or would like me to clarify any of my statements, I’m open to discussion. I love talking about travel with others. Hopefully, this has inspired other black people to travel and expand their understanding of themselves and the world.
Thank you so much, Gabby, for this opportunity!
Shermee’s Instagram | Shermee’s Twitter
What is the purpose of this series?
This initiative shares the same mission as my blog as a whole—to inspire other people in my age group by showing them that travel can be accessible, life-changing and empowering.
If you’re interested in being featured and you’re younger than 26, you can see how to apply in the FAQ of this blog and shoot me an email at gabby[at]packslight.com.
Don’t forget to add yourself to the Young Traveler’s Network Facebook Group!
Her mission is to empower young people to seek risk, seize opportunity, and see the world.
Related Posts
Rediscovering Your Hometown During Quarantine (Jasmine, 21) – YTN
Funded Travel Opportunities & Competitions: Public Listing (Updated Jul 2020)
Weekend Trip to Nantucket, MA: A Locals Tips to Enjoying the Island! (Erin-Marie, 26) – YTN
Which is the correct term? Black vs. BIPOC vs. African American vs. POC vs. BAME
