10 Black Men Who Are #TravelBae Goals
There's nothing like a good ol' chocolate, caramel, or vanilla-wafer brotha who is not only open to adventures in business, love, and the bedroom but who is always down for the extraordinary trip of a lifetime. And sis, we as a community are doing more and more traveling---especially to international locales---these days. According to research, black travelers contribute a whopping $63 billion to the tourism industry, and 17% of us take one or more trips outside of the U.S.
It's fun to enjoy a solo trip every now and again, but sometimes it's good to get a little companionship from a guy who knows how to let it all hang out and make new memories.
These 10 men are changing the game in the travel world---venturing off the beaten path and letting us in on how royally our kings roll around the world:
Jubril Agoro, Passport Heavy
Agoro, a Nigerian-American entrepreneur from Chi-town, offers premium content via his travel platform, Passport Heavy, which features vlogs from his experiences in places like Mexico City, London, Accra (Ghana), Lagos (Nigeria), and Medellin (Colombia). His videos always invoke feelings of yearning, possibility, and aspiration, and he's always super-motivational. He also gives so many details about how you can replicate the experiences. (Added bonus: His Website says he's "looking for romance", so ladies, go ahead and hit up thet DMs. Let's hope that by the time this is published, that's still true.)
Jonathan Global
This guy's Instagram is packed with black boy joy and photos that look like they came from a modeling portfolio. The consultant who proudly proclaims his Howard University alumni status, has shared experiences from Budapest to the Philippines to Puerto Morelos, Mexico, and relishes in more than his share of luxe. We can dig it.
Brian, Where In The World Is B
A self-proclaimed "travel engineer", Brian proves that we can all get past travel stereotypes (and throw away the phrase, "Black folks don't go there.") He's taken trips to Cambodia, Finland, and Haiti, and offers a glimpse into luxury experiences in places some of us might not have previously considered a must-see. He also candidly shares the highs---and lows---of TWB (aka traveling while black). Brian keeps it moving, around the world, surpassing 90 countries visited.
Rondel Holder, Soul Society
As founder of a travel community and content platform that has grown to more than 77,000 followers, Rondel proudly travels with his wifey---sorry, ladies---and advocates for black travelers going beyond the usual. He's had journeys from Africa to the Caribbean to Europe, and with more than 60 countries visited, gives us a view not only into the sweetness of black love but the euphoric feeling of getting one more passport stamp.
Stephen-Philip Ibar, SOAI
This Jamaican vlogger is known to take a baecation or two to explore nontraditional venues within the country of his birth. He also creates memorable experiences like "Catch & Cook" lobster and jungle treks in Mexico. Stephen-Philip reminds us all that though we might have a favorite go-to vacay spot, we must still be open-minded to going beyond the typical resorts and Airbnbs. I mean, our travel and love lives get stale otherwise.
Kevin Curry, Fit Men Cook
Curry is a chef who has made amazing strides with his platform that showcases healthy living. The creative entrepreneur also takes readers along on his travels, some of which include food adventures in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Morocco. As if his dishes aren't swoon-worthy enough, Curry shares his fitness and gym routines that might have you sneaking to the other room to binge watch. (Sorry, bae.)
Cedric Wood, Ced Tripping
A Southern-bred professional with a doctoral degree who plays the organand travels? Chile, go ahead and faint. The clinical pharmacist shares reviews and experiences from his trips via his Website and gives us a sneak peek of global adventures on his IG. Japan, Croatia, Kenya, and Switzerland are just a few spots he's landed on, and the list continues to grow. Can't vouch for his relationship status, but hey, don't let that keep you from fantasizing or even doing a bit of Web stalking---I mean, research---to find clues.
Rick Southers, Rick on the Run
OK single ladies, you might want to steer clear of knocking over that wine glass or coffee cup near your laptop while checking out his IG page. When this photographer is not traveling with his Omega Psi Phi bruhs to locales like Louisiana's French Quarter and the Louvre in Paris, he's luxuriating on Bali's Kelinking Beach or at Croatia's Palmizana. What better way to up your (Instagram) travel profile than having a bae who knows his way around the world and behind a camera lens?
Andrew Robotham
A photographer and engineer, Andrew travels with his wife, an entrepreneur in her own right, on global explorations. The two give us all the tripspiration feels via IG. You'll find ideas for plans with your current boo (I'm taking notes) or future hubby you've been prayed about---from honeymooning in Bali, to anniversary revelry in Kenya, to yacht lounging in Italy.
Marcus, Marcus Meets World
He touts himself as "The Jetsetter", and the name is quite fitting since he's been to more than 50 countries. You'll find photos and back-stories for some of his most inspiring trips, from playing soccer with local kids in the West African nation of Togo, to enjoying coffee outside Poland's infamous Crooked House. Throw in a beard, muscles and mention of Hebrews 11:6, and he might be the formula for a travel-bae match made in heaven. (But don't quote me on his marital status, as that is unknown based on his IG. Guess you'll have to shoot your shot and see.)
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ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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When discussing the topic of raising children, discipline is often the first thing that comes to mind. Children need discipline. Full stop. But what is discipline? And how do we draw the line between discipline and revenge?
The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:
Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
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Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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Featured image by Courtney Hale/Getty Images