Celebrating three decades of success, Thomas Dorsey, founder of Soul of America, marks a milestone with the first Black travel website. Since 1994, Dorsey has led Soul of America, a comprehensive travel resource featuring insights on Black-owned destinations, cultural landmarks, and heritage sites across the U.S. and abroad. The website is now seen as a vital guide for travelers seeking meaningful experiences and community connections.
Expanding Black Travel Insights Across the U.S.
Soul of America began as a pocket-sized guide, quickly growing to become the go-to website for Black travel recommendations. With detailed guides to major U.S. cities, the website covers vibrant communities, including cities like New York, Chicago, and New Orleans. According to Dorsey, these guides provide travel lovers with essential information to explore Black-owned restaurants, historic sites, and cultural hotspots.
“After beginning with print and then expanding online, Soul of America has built lasting trust and appreciation from visitors,” Dorsey shared. He credits the platform’s success to its commitment to quality and authenticity in showcasing Black culture.
Celebrating Black Heritage Through Global Destinations
In addition to U.S. cities, Soul of America recommends travel spots abroad, including cities across Africa and the Caribbean. International guides highlight destinations like South Africa, Zanzibar, and St. Lucia, rich in Black culture and heritage. Dorsey’s vision extends beyond tourism; he seeks to inspire travelers to connect deeply with communities worldwide, offering guides for unique, soulful journeys.
For this anniversary, Soul of America will expand its international guides to help travelers uncover hidden gems. “We’re offering updated Black Travel Guides to turn trips into rewarding journeys,” Dorsey announced, emphasizing the website’s growth and commitment to meaningful travel.
Leading the Black Travel Movement
From its start, Soul of America has stood as a leader in the Black travel movement. Dorsey launched Soul of America years before major travel platforms like TripAdvisor and Google, creating a space for Black travelers to feel represented and informed. Today, the website has published over 155 travel guides and remains a member of the Black Travel Alliance and Blacks in Travel & Tourism.
Looking ahead, Dorsey aims to continue offering diverse travel experiences, keeping Soul of America at the forefront of Black travel. His website will also provide more event coverage and guides to Black-owned businesses, further connecting travelers to their roots and heritage. Through Soul of America, Dorsey’s vision will continue to inspire and inform the Black travel community.
