Episode #152: Diversity in Travel, Connecting the Global African Diaspora, and Creating the ABC Travel Green Book with Martinique Lewis

Episode Summary

Martinique Lewis shares her journey growing up in an immigrant family in Oakland, California, studying abroad in London, and her path to becoming an award winning Diversity in Travel Consultant. She talks about what she loves about London, and how she travels the world like a local as opposed to a tourist.  Marty then talks about her passion for learning about and connecting with the African Diaspora around the world.  She gives the history of the Negro Motorist Green Book, and talks about her inspiration for creating the ABC Travel Green Book to connect the African Diaspora globally, promote Black-owned businesses, and identify safe spaces for Black travelers.  She also talks about being the President of The Black Travel Alliance and shares their founding story, thier impact on holding the travel industry accountable on diversify and inclusion, and the launch of the new Black Travel History website. Marty then talks about her path to becoming a professional Diversity in Travel Consultant and breaks down the power dynamics that inhibit diversity in travel brands.  She talks about the impact she is making on the board of Conde Nast and the National Outdoor Leadership School. Marty then shares her reflections on racism in the U.S. through the lens of international travel.  She also reflects on her support and solidarity with the “End SARS” campaign against police violence in Nigeria. Marty then shares her thoughts on safety considerations for Black travelers, and offers her thoughts on how people can be better allies.  And finally, she shares what travel means to her.

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Martinique Lewis

Martinique Lewis is a location independent entrepreneur, world traveler, and an award winning diversity in travel consultant. She is the President of the Black Travel Alliance and a board member of Conde Nast and the National Outdoor Leadership School. She is also the author of The ABC Travel Greenbook—the number one resource connecting travelers to the African Diaspora Globally. She was named one of the “30 most influential people in travel” by Travel Pulse and Travel and Leisure, and she has been featured in Forbes, CNN, Essence and Travel Noire.

What You'll Learn
  • How The Black Travel Alliance is impacting Diversity in the Travel Industry
  • How The ABC Travel Green Book helps connect travelers with the Global African Diaspora, provide safety for Black Travelers, and support Black-owned businesses around the world.
  • How to be a Better Ally to Black Travelers and Other Marginalized Groups
Links From the Episode

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you click through any links and make a purchase, you should assume that Maverick will receive financial compensation (at no additional cost to you). We greatly appreciate you using our affiliate links because it helps to support the show and cover production costs of the podcast.

BUY MARTINIQUE’S BOOK

CHECK OUT THE BLACK TRAVEL ALLIANCE

 CHECK OUT THE HISTORY OF BLACK TRAVEL WEBSITE

CHECK OUT THE ORIGINAL GREEN BOOK

 TOP 2 BOOKS THAT MARTINIQUE RECOMMENDS

#1 PERSON WITH WHOM MARTINIQUE MOST WANTS TO HAVE DINNER

TOP 3 FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

TOP 3 BUCKET LIST DESTINATIONS

LOCATION WHERE THE INTERVIEW TOOK PLACE

OTHER PLACES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

 MARTINIQUE’S TOP MUSICAL ARTISTS

OTHER PEOPLE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

 CONNECT WITH MARTINIQUE

Time Stamped Show Notes

**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.

[2:41] What Martinique Loves about London

[7:41] Growing up in Oakland and Traveling as a Kid

[10:56] Traveling Like a Local as Opposed to a Tourist

[12:29] Connecting with the African Diaspora around the world

[16:52] The ABC Travel Green Book

[23:50] The Black Travel Alliance

[28:34] The History of Black Travel Timeline

[32:10] Becoming a Professional Diversity in Travel Consultant

[38:39] Assessing the Power Dynamics that Inhibit Diversity in Travel Brands

[43:06] Being on the Board of Conde Nast and National Outdoor Leadership School

[47:09] Reflections on Racism in the U.S. through the lens of International Travel

[50:51] The “End SARS” Campaign against police violence in Nigeria

[53:42] Safety Considerations for Black Travelers

[55:46] How to Be a Better Ally

[58:19] What Travel Means to Marty

[59:42] The Lightning Round

[1:03:47] Contact and Follow Marty