While everyone is watching which countries in Europe are opening, it would be best to keep an eye on Africa and the African-Diaspora. These countries have had lower incidences of COVID-19 and are seeking to attract tourists and visitors back, in light of both the global health and race crises. More importantly, these places are trying to find ways to ensure that they continue to serve their people and maintain jobs, despite slow downs in the hospitality and aviation industry.
In March, I found myself in IAD airport with plans to travel to the Motherland. Instead, I handed in my boarding pass, cancelled my flight, and went back home to see what would happen next. Since then, I’ve been grounded - physically and emotionally. Travel isn’t just my career, it's my lifestyle, and my happy place.
Today, Black women’s head wraps vary in form and style. We have silk bonnets at night and African fabrics in the day. Privately, they have been a tool for protection: keeping our hair undamaged, lowering maintenance costs associated with looking professional, and allowing us to genuinely rest our weary heads.