Finding Black Liberation

By Rhonda Blake, Entrepreneurial Council

I am reading “The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman's Journey to Every Country in the World” by Jessica Nabongo, a recommendation from one of my besties. The book is incredible, and the more I read the more I crave travel. I’ve declared Jessica my travel soulmate because I see myself in her. She is Black and proud of her roots. She has a shaved head (though I am not shaving my head – I can’t quite pull that off), she is bold, and beautiful. She is a photographer, blogger, travel celebrity, and business owner. She inspires me.

I have always loved traveling the world, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures. At 12, I didn't see it as liberation, but the desire of exploring beyond my homeland of Trinidad and Tobago was immense. At the time, I was thought to be an odd child.

But liberation – this freedom to accept the status quo, freedom of others’ expectations – has allowed me to be authentically me. Looking back, my liberation journey began when I was 9 and took pen pals from all over the world, sharing stories, and collecting stamps. I remember the exhilaration I felt when I got a letter from these faraway friends. As an adult, I have traveled to countries beyond my own expectations and been to South America, the Middle East, throughout Asia, Europe, and of course, the Caribbean. My mom often says I behave as if something is wrong with my bed and my response has always been, "No, Mom. I have a gypsy soul." I am a woman who is full of energy and wants to live life on her terms.

“[Jessica] Nabongo, the first Black woman to document her travels to every country in the world, has a “lens of curiosity” when she explores and a desire to make the world feel more accessible.”

- Review of "The Catch Me If You Can"

On my solo trips around the globe, I do notice that I rarely find other Black solo women traveling, but don’t care. I take my camera and I try to find someone who speaks enough English for a brief conversation. I consider myself a roaming photography nomad, walking up to strangers and asking permission to take a picture or two. And it’s the beautiful souls that make the best pictures, never those simply considered beautiful by the standard formula. My favorite subject was an older Asian woman with lines of life etched on her face. When I asked if I could take her picture because she was so beautiful, her immediate response was “No, I am old and ugly.” But I persisted, “Let me show you what I see.” And she finally agreed. When I showed her the picture, she lit up as if to say “Yes, I am beautiful.”

Now that world is inching back to normalcy, my gypsy soul is on full display. I hear the shutter sounds of the camera in the back of my head and I am researching my next travel adventure.

My travel journey is embryotic, with so many places to see and people to meet. Travel liberates me from the pedestrian programming of life, and the more I travel the more I understand that regular programming only represents a very minute portion of the global community. I feel free when traveling and hope others can find liberation in this experience as well.

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and recognizing their central role in U.S. history. The global theme for 2023 Black History Month is Black Resistance.

From resistance, a refusal to comply or accept the status quo, we find a blossoming of understanding so profound that it leads to transformation – and ultimately liberation.

This February, FLIK’s Entrepreneurial Council, Diversity Inclusion Action Council, marketing & culinary teams have collaborated to celebrate individual liberation practices, celebrating Black Liberation through food, community, music, and literature – and what makes you feel free to be you.

Check out these recommended podcasts from the Entrepreneurial Council about liberation, leadership, and conversations to inspire you this Black History Month (and beyond).

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