As the International African American Museum prepares to open in 2022 in Charleston, South Carolina—a city where 40% of enslaved Africans arrived at Gadsden’s Wharf during the transatlantic slave trade—it brings up interesting ideas on how a city with a dark history can best tell its story within a travel narrative.
When it opens, it will be the first museum of its kind to comprehensively interpret and explore African American history from slavery to the present day.
In a time of social flux in the world, four respected experts from the Charleston region, join the British Guild of Travel Writers in an engaging, challenging and important debate. As well as discussing the likely impact and legacy of the museum, we’ll also debate the importance and ethics around interpreting historical events accurately and respectfully, and how the travel industry, from journalists to operators, can play its part.
The details
BGTW Talks Travel: Travel narratives and uncomfortable conversations: Charleston as a case study
WHEN: Tuesday 4th May 2021
TIME: 4pm-5.15pm UK time/GMT+1 (11am-12.15pm EST)
WHERE: Register via Zoom – https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LkEIGuTySfiQLFIqC4SX6Q
PRICE: BGTW Talks Travel events are free for members.
Non-members’ ticket costs are covered by Explore Charleston.
Important: Please feel free to send questions in advance.
Any ticket issues, contact [email protected]
The panel*
Dr Tamara T Butler, executive director, Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture
Born and raised in the Charleston area, Dr Butler majored in biochemistry at Xavier University of Louisiana, but was drawn to African American Studies courses, earning her MA in African American and African Studies and her MA and Ph.D. in Multicultural and Equity Studies in Education from Ohio State University. Also Associate Dean in the College of Charleston Libraries, she dedicates her time to initiatives that center equity, responsibility, and accessibility in education and community engagement.
Instagram: @averyresearchcenter
Reverend DeMett Jenkins, Lilly Director of education and engagement for faith-based communities, International African American Museum
Raised in Charleston and with a degree in criminal justice from South Carolina State University and a Master in Divinity, Reverend Jenkins is passionate about outreach development and community involvement due to her relationship with her grandfather, the late Esau Jenkins, who was a civil rights activist and leader in the Charleston community.
***Due to circumstances beyond her control, Reverend Jenkins will not be able to attend. In her place, we have Ms Vereene Parnell, faith-based activities coordinator at the IAAM. Vereene is a coalition builder and educator with experience in creating spaces where unlikely groups of people build communities.
Twitter: @iaamuseum
Instagram: @iaamuseum
Kourtney Jones, member relations manager, Explore Charleston
Recruiting and retaining minority-led businesses to Explore Charleston’s Travel Council with a focus on dining, retail, and creative arts members is at the core of Jones’ role, as well as engaging media, and participating in Explore Charleston’s workforce development initiatives. Although new to the CVB, she’s been a member of the Charleston hospitality community for 12 years as a hotelier for independent brands as well as Marriott, Hilton, and IHG. She has a BA in Communications from The College of Charleston.
Twitter: @explorechs
Instagram: @explorecharleston
Spencer Pryor, deputy director & chief of communications, Charleston County Aviation Authority
A native Charlestonian, Pryor has extensive experience in community relations, and crisis communications. He is the spokesperson for the Authority (which owns and operates Charleston International Airport, Charleston Executive Airport, and Mount Pleasant Regional Airports) and also develops and oversees diversity and inclusion initiatives, . He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Limestone College, and an Associate’s Degree in Marketing from Trident Technical College.
Twitter: @iflychs
Instagram: @iflychs
Chaired by Meera Dattani, events director, BGTW
Meera is a travel journalist, co-editor of online travel magazine Adventure.com, and co-founder of the Unpacking Media Bias newsletter with a special interest in heritage tourism and decolonising and modernising travel writing.
Twitter @no_fixed_plans
Instagram @nofixedplans
* Scheduled to appear
About BGTW Talks Travel
BGTW Talks Travel discussions are part of a series of online events to bring people together and help our members and other travel professionals move forward. By connecting leaders in the world and featuring the latest travel opinion and developments, we help keep you at the forefront, creating and innovating.
Can’t make the date?
Even if you can’t make it on the day, register for the session and you will receive a recording/link to the discussion afterwards.
Before the event/on the day
You’ll receive reminders in the run-up to the event. On the day, click the Zoom link, and once the panel is ready to begin, you’ll be admitted to the room. You’ll be able to see and hear the panellists and our moderator, take part in the Zoom chat, and ask questions in the Q&A box. You will be not be visible to other participants. Your name will be visible if you join in the chat.
Questions? Let us know. Hope to see you there!