I spoke on a panel at the Melanated Travel Diary (MTD) Launch Party and I wanted to provide a recap! Being my first travel speaking opportunity, I was extremely ecstatic and honored to be included.
About Melanated Travel Diary (MTD):
MTD aims to normalize, encourage, and stress the importance of black travel through visual and educational representation.
Educational representation:
- Highlighting current events covering an array of topics including: politics, law, climate and newsworthy scandal
- Sharing the history or meaning behind different places, landmarks, traditions, and/or cultures
- Travel hacks such as: savvy packing tips and ideal destination suggestions
- MTD Youth: a non-profit sector exposing young POC to the world through education and travel
Visual representation:
Based on content shared on MTD’s Instagram of POC traveling, and making a difference in their respective communities. POC from different backgrounds can share their most liberating, inspiring and efficient ways of traveling.
MTD Launch Party Recap:
Held at the Commons Cage in Brooklyn NY, MTD’s Launch Party included:
- Opening remarks: MTD introduced their team, and discussed their mission and MTD Youth
- Food: Appetizers and dessert such as: chicken & waffles, mac & cheese, cake pops, and cookies
- Raffle Prizes: Attendees had the chance to win one of three baskets, all themed differently (such as: travel and natural hair)
- Panel Discussion: Us five panelists discussed a range of topics including: hostels, Airbnb’s, and hotels and group vs. solo travel. After, the audience asked us travel questions.
The venue provided a nice, intimate setting, making it easy to network and meet others. MTD highlighted the travel-theme with things like globe-shaped cake pops and tiny suitcases filled with mints. They also placed passport-style booklets on tables and chairs that explained MTD and highlighted the panel and panelists.
I loved meeting other like-minded POC who enjoy traveling, or are interested in traveling. I also look forward to seeing what MTD has in store in the future! And, thanks to MTD for giving the panelists a travel-themed gift bag after the event!
