For the Culture: Reimagine Freedom

We didn't just relocate for ourselves; we relocated for the future he deserves, a horizon without ceilings. Puntarenas, Costa Rica

As a Black woman born in America, the intersection of race, class, and gender is far more than spirited dinner conversation or trending hashtags. While much of non-Black America is just beginning to acknowledge systemic oppression, racism, sexism, colorism, and classism have been a daily reality in my life—as familiar as my own name. Yet even amid these challenges, the ability to choose is one of my greatest privileges.

Faith Lesson #1 – Freedom is a Choice

True freedom begins with the ability to choose, even when circumstances feel limiting. God has given us the power to make decisions that reflect our values, faith, and purpose. Choosing a life aligned with our principles—whether through travel, career, or daily actions—is not escapism; it is an act of courage, trust, and intentional living.

I created Black and Wanderlust in 2017 to chronicle the adventures of my highly melanated family as we explore the world, nurture our best selves, and experience life beyond societal restrictions. This platform stands in direct contrast to media outlets that profit off Black pain, trauma, and heartbreak. Here, we counter the daily images of disenfranchised Black lives, disempowered Black bodies, and fractured communities.

Rest in power to all our fallen Black angels. I honor and pay homage to you—Kings and Queens alike—and to our ancestors who were brutalized, sacrificed, and who paved the way with their blood, sweat, and tears.

 Faith Lesson #2 – Your Legacy is Your Power

We are the products of generations of resilience, sacrifice, and prayer. Every choice we make—how we live, love, and lead—contributes to our heritage and legacy. Embracing this perspective transforms obstacles into opportunity and allows us to honor our ancestors while empowering future generations.

Leaving America is not just an escapist fantasy; it is a bold and viable act of resistance.

Traveling is more than a luxury—it is a new brand of freedom. Crafting a life outside of America is an act of activism. When my family moved abroad, we intentionally redesigned our lives to challenge negative expectations:

• Black men, women, and children are healthy, educated, fit, wealthy, sane, joyous, and fully covered.

• Black marriages are beautiful, plentiful, and fruitful.

• Black families are intact, impactful, and thriving.

Transformational Practice: Design Your Life Intentionally

1. Identify one area of your life where you want more freedom or alignment with your values (relationships, career, location, or spiritual practice)

2. Reflect on the small, bold steps you can take today to move toward that vision.

3. Journal or pray over your choices, asking God to guide your decisions and to bless the process.

4. Take one actionable step within the next week, no matter how small—it builds momentum and strengthens faith in your path.

Black people swim, travel, love, earn, build, study, laugh, and create. We are nobility; we are magical. We are the products of royalty and slavery, marches and sit-ins, tortures and triumphs. We are manifestations of ancestral prayers, generational gifts, and cultural shifts.

We are heritage bearers, curse breakers, Black, proud, and unapologetic. We own our narrative, we have options, and we are the revolution.

Hey, Black and Wanderlust, how are you intentionally choosing freedom in your life? What bold step could you take to honor your values, empower yourself, or amplify your legacy? Share your reflections in the comments below.

#fortheculture #reimaginefreedom #blackpower #blackmobility #blackresistance #blackactivism #blackrevolution #blacklivesmatter #blackmarriagesmatter #blackfamiliestravel #blackandabroad #travelbittenandsmitten #ZuluBrownz #BlackandWanderlust

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