As we move deeper into the year, I wanted to take a moment to pause and reflect on how far we’ve come as a community and where we are headed.

What began as a simple idea—to create a space where young people of color could see themselves traveling the world, at that time I was finishing undergrad and had just studied abroad—has grown into something much bigger than I could have imagined. Today, Young Black Travelers is a community, a movement, and a reminder that the world belongs to us too. As Black people, we deserve to experience the world fully, and part of our mission is helping those younger than us see it as well—opening doors and expanding possibilities for the next generation of travelers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Over the past year, our tribe has continued to expand. As a community we’ve explored new countries, shared stories through our podcast and blog, built deeper friendships through our events, and most importantly, created opportunities for the next generation of travelers through scholarships and community support.

But YBT has always been about more than travel. It’s about expanding our worldview, building community across cultures, and empowering young people to see possibilities beyond what they’ve been told is possible. Every passport stamp, every conversation, and every connection we make brings us closer to that vision.

As we continue moving through this year, my hope is that YBT grows not just in numbers, but in impact. This year we are focused on:

• Strengthening our tribe through events and fundraising initiatives that help support our mission of creating opportunities for young people to travel and experience the world. When you attend our gatherings, support our ventures, or contribute to our fundraising efforts, you are directly helping make that impact possible.
• Expanding our storytelling through our podcast, blog, and travel content.The stories within this community are powerful, and we want to share them. If you have a travel story, lesson, or experience you’d like to share, message us at 201-448-7112. We’d love to feature members of our tribe on the Young Black Travelers podcast (Spotify) (Apple).
• Creating opportunities for our community to experience the world together. While YBT is not focused on traditional group trips, we do want to continue building moments where our tribe can travel together—whether that’s celebrating culture at places like, Trinidad Carnival, meeting up across cities, or exploring destinations as a community.
• Growing the tribe. If Young Black Travelers has inspired you, helped you travel, or connected you with amazing people, we ask that you share our  Instagram and invite others into our WhatsApp tribe (message us on instagram for access). This community exists because of you, and because of you it continues to grow.

  

To everyone who has traveled with us, supported our mission, attended an event, shared our stories, or believed in what we are building—thank you. Young Black Travelers exists because of this community. And if this is your first time discovering YBT, I invite you to join us. The world is big, and there is a place for all of us in it.

Here’s to another year of exploration, connection, and impact.

Asshur Cunningham
Founder, Young Black Travelers