February 3, 2025

Black History is American History!

This year Black History month hits differently.

Now more than ever, it’s important not only to celebrate Black History Month, but to actively preserve and share Black history. Stories must be documented, retold, and protected — especially at a time when some people are attempting to erase or rewrite parts of our past. Black history is American history, and the experiences of Black Americans are an essential part of the full story of this country.

There’s a powerful quote often attributed to George Santayana: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Winston Churchill later echoed a similar sentiment. The message is clear — when history is ignored or distorted, we risk repeating the same injustices. In 2026, we are seeing attempts to minimize or remove historical truths, which makes it even more vital that we continue learning, sharing, and protecting these stories.

Travel has always been one of the ways I stay connected to history. Wherever I go, I make it a point to learn about the local Black experience. I seek out Black history tours because they bring powerful, often overlooked stories to life. There are incredible tours not only in the United States, but around the world.

Last year, I explored the history of enslaved Africans in Brazil through a tour in Rio. In London, I visited Brixton to learn about the African and Caribbean communities who arrived with promises of opportunity and built generations of history there. Most recently I took an interesting Afro-Portuguese tour in Porto Portugal.

​On my blog you will also find articles I’ve written about Black history tours in Asheville NC, Paris & Amsterdam. Experiences like these deepen our understanding of how interconnected Black history is globally.

Most importantly Washington, D.C. is home to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, a space that remains vital to preserving truth and heritage. Atlanta, where I lived for 12 years, offers numerous important historical sites and experiences. This month I will be sharing and resharing information on all of the above on my social media channels.

As you travel, I encourage you to intentionally seek out these tours and experiences. It’s easier than you think. You will find tours that center on food, culture, and community, offering both education and connection.

By choosing to learn while we travel, we help ensure these histories are remembered, honored, and preserved — not just in America, but across the globe.

"If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl; but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward." Dr.Martin Luther King. Jr-Nobel Peace Prize Winner​
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Until next time,

Nadeen

Meet Nadeen: Nadeen hosts small-group luxury food and wine tours around the world, designed for travelers who want to connect through culture, cuisine, and community. As a certified luxury travel advisor, she also curates custom itineraries—ranging from wine regions and foodie hotspots to unforgettable global adventures.

With 6 continents explored and a WSET Level 2 wine certification, she combines expertise, passion, and purpose to help travelers experience the world deeply—traveling well and eating even better.

nadeen@thesophisticatedlife.com

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