How To Support Black-Owned Businesses For The Holidays
CrushGlobal, led by award-winning journalist Kristin Braswell, has launched a series of customized road trip guides for the holidays. Braswell not only created the inclusive road trip guides that help you navigate throughout the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic but is also highlighting Black-owned businesses in the process.
“So often, Black businesses are left out of travel marketing opportunities, so the road trips provide a way for my company to support communities and people who need our help, particularly during a pandemic. My passion has always been to support the brilliance of Black people, and I’m proud to be able to do that through CrushGlobal road trips and beyond.” Braswell says.
Working closely with tourism boards and local experts to create the most up-to-date itineraries, Braswell spoke with BET.com about how she carefully curated the list of Black-owned businesses for each destination for visitors to consider.
“It was important to me to include people from industries that have been hit so hard during this time, so our guides feature a truly diverse range of Black owned businesses, from a Gullah Geechee chef in Charleston, sommelier in Napa, to a hiking guide in Yosemite National Park,” she said. “Having that inside knowledge was also invaluable because we were able to include COVID safety protocols for our road trip clients to consider as well.”
The guides feature seven different themes for every type of traveler including, City to Sea Southern Guide, Escape the City Guide, From City to Wine Valley Guide, Great Baecation + Friend Guide, Great Outdoors Guide, Nature Lovers Guide, Southern Food and History Guide and Wine, Food and Beach Lovers Guide. CrushGlobal is also offering personalized road trip itineraries anywhere in the U.S. and travelers can sign-up for more information here.
And when it comes to one travel destination that Braswell might not be on your radar but should be when it comes to Black-owned business?
“Wine country in California, particularly Napa and Sonoma in Northern California. There are some incredible Black owned wineries, experts, chefs and sommeliers in the region,” according to Braswell. “I have been so inspired by the number of Black winemakers up and down the California coast, from Theopolis Vineyards to Brown Estate.”
Travelers can follow each guide from A-Z or pick and choose which activities and routes best suit them. Black-owned businesses are included in the guides that highlight chefs, wine experts, hiking tour guides and more. CrushGlobal Road Trips are now available for purchase starting from $29, with road trips ranging from 3 - 7 days.
