As a Black, woman owned business, Uniglobe Travel Designers believes Black Excellence should be championed year-round! But especially in honor of Black History Month, here are some individuals in the travel industry we wanted to celebrate:
Davonne Reaves
Davonne Reaves became the youngest Black female hotel owner under a major chain at just 34 years old. She worked from a hotel receptionist, to mid-level management, and now hotel owner with her own hospitality group, The Vonne Group. Learn more about her story here!
Teddy Seymour
Teddy Seymour is officially designated as the first Black man to sail around the world. He embarked on his solo voyage February 24, 1986 and returned to St. Croix on June 19, 1987. Learn more about his adventure here!
"When a person has sailed around the world; seen remote landscapes; shared time and thoughts with distant people; experienced high adventure; tasted the ultimate joy and the depths of despair, it is time to . . . do it again."
- Teddy Seymour
Albert & Margaret Tull Robinson
Albert Robinson and his wife, Margaret Tull Robinson owned and operated The Hotel Robinson, built in 1897. This was one of the first businesses in San Diego County, California to be owned and operated by an African American. Now, not only is it one of the oldest hotels in Southern California, but it is on the National Register of Historic Places. Read more about their history here!
James Wormley
James Wormley was the first Black hotel owner in the United States. He opened the Wormley Hotel House Washington, D.C. in 1871. Learn more about his story here!
Barrington Irving
Barrington Irving is the first Black pilot - and youngest person - to ever fly solo around the globe. He departed on his journey from Miami, Florida on March 23, 2007 and returned June 27th, 2007. On his 97-day adventure he made 27 stops including Canada, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, UAE, India, Thailand, China, and Japan. Read more about his adventure here!
Written by De'Von Wright
De'Von is the Administrative Assistant at Uniglobe Travel Designers who loves to travel when life allows him to. He has been to 30 of the 50 states and is excited to continue that momentum! Outside of the office he enjoys reading, music, and cooking. To him, family and health are the most important things in life!