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Race and the Limits of Leisure: Black Travel and Tourism in the Age of Jim Crow

Thu, Oct 6, 8:00 to 9:50pm, Richmond Marriott Hotel, Richmond Marriott Hotel Salon G-AV Room

Session Submission Type: Panel Session

Abstract

This panel explores the problems and possibilities arising when persons of African descent engaged in travel, tourism and leisure activities.
Exploring the Pacific Coast, the U.S. South and the British Caribbean, panelists reveal how racism created unique challenges and dangers for Black travelers. On the other hand the limitations of racial segregation should not be over-determined as panelists show that Blacks were still able to engage in tourism, travel and leisure activities in spite of segregation.

As various forms of racial discrimination attempted to constrain or eliminate opportunities for Blacks to enjoy leisure and recreational activities enjoyed by their white class peers, Blacks across the Diaspora resisted by devising novel ways to engage in or facilitate leisure. Whether it was the creation of Black-owned resorts in California; the publication of travel guides for Black motorists or the establishment of Black Tourism in Bermuda all of these activities illustrate the ways that Black travel during the age of Jim Crow was imbued by an element of resistance to racial marginalization in the Pacific, American and Atlantic Worlds.

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