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Comments (10)
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Save/ShareToday, American Airlines launched Black Atlas, a site dedicated to connecting African-American travelers with each other.
The site is the first for black Americans to combine the reviewing features of a TripAdvisor-type site with the social-networking features of a Facebook-type site.
Nelson George, the well known music journalist and producer of the current hit film Good Hair, is the site's editor. In a series of blog posts and professionally-produced videos, George shows members of Black Atlas how to see the coolest sights around the world—and how to share recommendations with other travelers. A sample Nelson tip:
"Where does a brother get a great haircut while in Madrid? I got one from Coco, a 30ish Nigerian from that nation's Ebo tribe, who works at Sonia's, a black beauty shop on El Valverde, just off Gran Via. And of course, I saw a large window display celebrating "the Emperor de Pop," Michael Jackson, in all his glory."
Jaunted is skeptical that the site will become popular. But having taken a virtual tour of it this morning, we're optimistic. The African-American travel market seems almost invisible online if you don't know where to look. The community is not "marketed to" very well, which is something that officials from American Airlines say it hopes to change with this new initiative. Kudos to AA for trying!
Here's a sample, five-minute video of Nelson George's tour of Madrid, courtesy of Black Atlas:
User reviews and comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions.
I wonder what this site will be like and will it appeal to Black women as well. I know that the travel that I do and destinations I am most interested in rarely coincide with Black men or many other Black women as well. I hope that this site can be a place for all types of Black people and not just what companies "think" that Black people are like. That always worries me about anything that targets a specific population.
Posted By Trudy on October 15, 2009, 1:31 PM
Sean did you even go to the site before writing? It isn't even up! I found out about it here: http://www.blackweb20.com/2009/10/15/blackatlas-com-launched-today-syke/
Posted By NickO on October 15, 2009, 4:30 PM
I sure did take a tour, thanks to a beta sneak preview for a couple members of the media last night, via AA.
The site was promised to go live today but, as you point out, is having some technical difficulties.
Thanks for commenting,
Sean
Posted By Sean on October 15, 2009, 5:02 PM
Site looks great. Checked it out about 7pm last nite. Guess they figured out the tech stuff that was holding it up.
Posted By Lewis Williams on October 16, 2009, 8:21 AM
It looks great. I only checked out one city so far, but the info was solid. To Trudy's post, I think they thought of that, too. The thing that's cool is it looks like anyone can put in what they like and think others should know. It should cover a lot of different perspectives, not just Mr. George's or American's.
Posted By Steve on October 16, 2009, 10:35 AM
I took a look at the site, and it is SO refreshing!!! None of your "black" cliches anywhere to be found. Thoughtful reviews that pique your interest. Very innovative.
Posted By mon amie on October 16, 2009, 11:04 AM
I do not think BlackAtlas.com is meant to segregate the races or make people of European ancestry feel left out. But, it's great to know that Black people are present. It is not talked about much but for many Black people going somewhere unknown can be dangerous. A friend of mine went to Russia and found out there was hostility to people of color and she had to cut her trip short because of threats on the street. I have heard rumors that places in Eastern Europe are unwelcoming to Blacks. When we see Black people in these areas we often can feel more comfortable going. I was called Ni--er in Paris by a group of young boys believe me it made me less comfortable in Paris and unlikely to return.
Posted By Anne Anderson on October 19, 2009, 2:16 PM
Most travel websites are aimed at the mainstream which as most marketers will tell you is white America. Really, what is wrong with targeting a racial group with information that they may not be able to find any where else? There are plenty of websites devoted to people of the Hispanic culture. Are you against those too Belinda?
Posted By Sally on October 19, 2009, 3:23 PM
This is for the post by Anne Anderson. I have traveled this beautiful world Anne for the past 15-20 years Anne and I must say we are going to see and feel racial predjudice almost anywhere. What we do is not left the idiots who try to make themselves feel superior in front of their friends or family and destroy what could be a once in a lifetime trip. I am a Black man who has learned that almost anywhere I have traveled I have felt at home and have and will not let any dumb idoit curtail my trip to any beautiful country. Enjoy what God has offered us and get out of the good ole USA and enjoy other countries that offer some things things that we can only dream about. i am glad we are being offered this site us it. Remember Black Men and Women you work hard for your money get out of the USA and enjoy things some of you may never even see in a travel magazine. Traveling to other cultures can and will be an AWESOME ADVENTURE YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE and REMEMBER.
Posted By Todd DinoBlack on October 20, 2009, 4:24 AM
I think this site is long over due! It is very refreshing to be able to see insightful and thoughtful reviews of travel destinations that do give needed information to the black culture! I do not think it excludes any other race but is inclusive to all as you give great information that anyone can use but you specifically give information within that is essential to blacks... hair care and grooming is a must anywhere we travel! Thanks again!
Posted By PatSH on October 23, 2009, 11:24 AM