Connecting Black History and Culture to Travel in Oakland
Damien McDuffie is using technology to tell important stories in Oakland. As the saying goes, distance makes the heart grow fonder, and this time away from travel has only deepened our appreciation for global adventures.
Travel is finally making a comeback, and with it bringing celebrations, reunions, and bucket list trips back to the forefront. We are just as excited as all of you to get back out there and see our favorite places again, along with a few new spots. This celebration of travel is echoed in our podcast, Let’s Go Together, which highlights how travel changes our perspectives on ourselves and the world.
Exploring the Diverse World of Travel
In the first season, our pilot and adventurer host, Kellee Edwards, introduced listeners to diverse globe-trotters who demonstrated that travelers come in all shapes and sizes from various walks of life. From the first Black woman to travel to every country on Earth to a man who trekked to Machu Picchu in a wheelchair, we have met some incredible individuals. In the second season, we are excited to introduce you to more people, places, and perspectives.
Insights from Damien McDuffie
In our latest episode, Edwards engages in conversation with Damien McDuffie, Director of Brand Strategy & Archives at the Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation in Oakland, CA. Damien shares his favorite spots in Oakland, his experiences preserving the legacy of the Black Panther Party, and his work supporting Black art and culture in Oakland through augmented reality technology.
“One of the things I’m most interested in is connecting Black history to travel, as well as providing creative ways to utilize our archives and family history,” McDuffie states. “My company is Black Terminus. I’m focused on creating a platform for augmented reality art within the Black cultural archive. The ongoing conversation about monuments and art concerning Black individuals is crucial. It’s not simply about removing white supremacist monuments; it’s about the stories that should be told in their place. The power of individual stories has the potential to impact both young people and elders, motivating them to understand and harness their own power.”
Listen to the Podcast
To hear more from McDuffie, check out Let’s Go Together, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Player.FM, and on all major podcast platforms.
