Around the World & Black: Welcome to My World

This was bound to happen! I’ve been putting this off for way too long, but as cliché as it may sound, there's no better time than now. It's time for the world to see the positive side of black men, and one of those aspects for me is traveling the world. Hey there! Welcome to “Around the World & Black”, my corner of the globe, where I'll be sharing my journey as a black man navigating the world.

Unveiling My Roots

Growing up, my family didn’t have the means to travel much. We were among the families who couldn't afford the luxury of exploring beyond our area code. Back in those days, life wasn’t the most affluent. My mother was battling schizophrenia, which put me in a constant state of uncertainty that I am not sure I ever got out of. My biological father wasn’t as present as I wish he could have been. And amidst it all, one undeniable aspect of my identity persisted: I am a Black man in America.

Embracing the Journey

But adversity only fueled my determination. I refused to be confined by societal expectations or limitations. With every step I took, I shattered stereotypes and defied the odds. Traveling became my solace, my sanctuary—the one place where I felt truly free. It wasn't just about visiting new places; it was about reclaiming my narrative and rewriting the script that society had assigned me.

Empowering Others

Despite the hardships, I had a massive community of people who watched after me. I grew up in a period where when people saw you struggling, they helped out. This support came from relatives, church members, school teachers, my friend's parents, and people who just wanted to help me along the way. Despite my Aunt Doris & Uncle Greg having six children of their own, they stepped in and helped raise me and my two brothers. As I reminisce about my life from childhood, I begin to reflect on the people in my life who found a way to support me when I had little to none. My aunt and uncle were one of those people. The way they brought up my brothers and me was a blessing that I have always learned to carry with me, and from those blessings, they instilled more wonders in my life than I could have imagined—a blessing in the form of adventure.

Now, I invite you to join me on this journey. Let's challenge perceptions, celebrate diversity, and empower others to embrace their uniqueness. Together, we can redefine what it means to be a black man in today's world.

So, buckle up and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. Welcome to Around the World & Black—where every destination is a canvas, and every experience is a masterpiece in the making.

Are you ready to embark on this journey with me?