For years, the mainstream travel industry has overlooked the needs and stories of Black travelers. But a growing number of Black-led travel groups are shifting the narrative—creating space for cultural connection, community and global exploration on their own terms.
Category: INTERNATIONAL
International News / Items from Around the World
Posted inBaltimore News
Unlocking sickle cell mysteries: Dr. Ambroise Wonkam speaks on genetic modifiers and patient outcomes
Dr. Ambroise Wonkam, director of genetic medicine at Johns Hopkins, has dedicated his career to studying genetic variation in African populations and its impact on conditions like sickle cell disease. He explains how African-specific genetic modifiers could unlock new treatments, not just for sickle cell patients, but for improving healthcare globally.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Ghanaian nonprofit steps up in the fight against sickle cell
While early diagnosis and treatment of sickle cell disease are standard in the United States, many children in Ghana are not diagnosed until serious complications arise. The International Sickle Cell Centre in Accra is working to change that through education, advocacy, and support for families facing stigma, financial hardship and limited medical access.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Women and girls face growing peril in Africa’s Sahel
Wayne Campbell, an educator and social commentator, warns that women and girls in Africa’s Sahel face escalating violence, poverty, and oppression fueled by conflict, climate change and political instability, with abductions, child marriage and exclusion from education becoming widespread. He urges the international community to increase aid, hold governments accountable, and challenge harmful cultural practices to protect their rights and futures.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Ciara is among the first descendants of enslaved people granted citizenship by Benin
Grammy-winning artist Ciara was granted citizenship in Benin on July 26 under a groundbreaking new law offering citizenship to descendants of enslaved Africans. The move is part of Benin’s wider effort to confront its role in the transatlantic slave trade and invite Afro-descendants to reconnect with their ancestral roots through cultural heritage and “memorial tourism.”
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Two perspectives, one heritage: Reconnecting with Africa’s cultural heartbeat
An American traveler and a Nigerian native share parallel reflections on the rich, enduring cultures of West Africa. From Senegal’s living history and art to Nigeria’s deep-rooted customs and fashion, their stories offer a vivid look into the pride, resilience, and beauty woven into everyday African life.
Posted inPolitics
Many Liberians take offense after US leader praises their president’s English
U.S. President Donald Trump’s surprise praise of Liberian President Joseph Boakai’s English sparked backlash in Liberia, where English is the official language. While some Liberians and officials interpreted Trump’s words as a compliment, others saw them as patronizing and disrespectful, especially in light of recent U.S. aid cuts to the country. The exchange reignited concerns about how African leaders are perceived on the global stage and raised questions about the future of Liberia-U.S. relations.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
A beer pioneer, South Africa’s first Black female brewery owner trains a new generation
Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela, South Africa’s first Black female craft brewery owner, is training a new generation of brewers—most of them young Black women—at her Brewsters Academy in Johannesburg. With a focus on science, tradition, and inclusivity, she aims to diversify the male-dominated beer industry while reviving African brewing heritage.
Posted inOpinion
Reconnecting Baltimore, rebuilding Haiti: Why H.R. 1114, Haitian American Enterprise Fund 2025 matters now
H.R. 1114, the Haitian American Enterprise Fund 2025, proposes a $5 billion investment to revitalize Haiti’s economy—an effort that would also benefit Baltimore through strengthened trade and historic cultural ties. With deep Haitian roots embedded in the city’s past and present, passing the bill would reconnect Baltimore to a shared legacy of resilience and mutual prosperity.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Youth-led protests erupt again in Kenya over police brutality and poor governance
Youth-led protests erupted again across Kenya on June 25, driven by outrage over police brutality, economic hardship, and government corruption, coinciding with the anniversary of deadly anti-tax demonstrations in 2023. Demonstrators—primarily from Generation Z—took to the streets and social media demanding justice, accountability, and reform, despite government efforts to suppress coverage and dissent.
Posted inNational News
Black Americans face unequal burden as US inches closer to war
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — As the U.S. edges toward potential war with Iran, Black Americans face a familiar pattern of disproportionate sacrifice—overrepresented in combat, underrepresented in leadership, and underserved upon returning home. Experts warn that systemic inequalities in military service, veteran care and community investment continue to deepen the burden on Black individuals and families.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Food rations are halved in one of Africa’s largest refugee camps after US aid cuts
Food rations in Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp have been halved after the Trump administration suspended U.S. aid to the U.N. World Food Program, putting 300,000 refugees at greater risk of hunger and malnutrition. Refugees now receive only a third of the recommended food supply, with cash transfers and nutritional support programs also cut. Aid workers warn of worsening conditions by August if funding doesn’t resume.
