The Weekly Passport

Hello Travel Buddies!

Welcome back to your Weekly Passport newsletter!

We’re back with powerful stories, cultural insights, and a glimpse into some incredible new partnerships. This week, we’re thrilled to share updates on our involvement with the NCAA, dive into Richmond’s ancestral connections, and discuss lessons from an inspiring event in Miami. Plus, we’ve got a cultural spotlight on Idris Elba’s move to Africa and tips on airline cancellations. Let’s get into it!

In this issue, you’ll learn about:

• Our new role with the NCAA Men’s Final Four Marketing Committee.

• How Maggie Walker’s legacy continues to inspire the Richmond community.

• Insights from the Black Executive Men Private Equity event in Miami.

• Idris Elba’s mission to rewrite Africa’s narrative from the ground up.

• Essential tips on getting refunds for canceled flights.

COMPANY UPDATES
Culture Travels Joins the NCAA Marketing Committee!

After months of outreach and planning, we’re excited to announce that Culture Travels has been invited to officially join the San Antonio Local Organizing Committee (SALOC) Marketing and PR Committee for the 2025 NCAA® Men’s Final Four®! 🏀🎉

This is an incredible opportunity for us to contribute to one of the biggest sports events in the country by engaging the local community and visitors through grassroots, email, and social media marketing activities. Our goal is to bring fresh ideas, open doors, and help strengthen connections at the intersection of sports and travel.

This collaboration is just the beginning of our strategy to position Culture Travels within the growing field of sports tourism. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this journey!

🧳 TRAVEL
What Would Maggie Do? Richmond's Ancestor Lives On Through BLK RVA

Honoring ancestors is a fundamental part of African American culture, rooted in African traditions of connecting with those who came before us. Through rituals, stories, and community efforts, we keep their legacy alive. As Marcus Garvey once said, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.”

In Richmond, BLK RVA keeps this spirit alive by honoring Maggie Walker, a trailblazing figure in Black history and an ancestor who continues to inspire. Our writer Chilaeya Ezell explores how Black Richmonders today draw strength from Maggie Walker’s legacy, often asking themselves, “What would Maggie do?” when facing challenges. This connection to the past guides a new generation and makes Richmond a meaningful destination for those seeking to understand the importance of ancestral legacy to community resilience.

Read the full story here!

TRAVEL
Black Executive Men Private Equity Dinner in Miami

Last week, our Founder, Leroy Adams, was invited to cover the Black Executive Men Private Equity event in Miami, a two-day gathering for Black men in private equity, finance, and venture capital. The event was an inspiring blend of knowledge-sharing, networking, and brotherhood, bringing together seasoned and emerging professionals committed to community and growth.

Here are three life lessons Leroy says he took away from the event:

1. Relationships can complement personal ambitions, not conflict with them. Some of the more experienced attendees shared how true partnership - marriage or business - can provide support, new perspectives, and resilience, enhancing career and personal growth.

2. An open, inclusive mindset leads to transformative change. Many stories highlighted the importance of sharing knowledge to uplift others, emphasizing that real success is amplified when built with community and collaboration rather than exclusivity.

3. Community and generosity are pathways to meaningful success. Success is more than individual achievements; it’s about building connections, helping others, and investing in those around you. Treating others with kindness creates lasting value that enriches your journey and those around you.

CULTURE SPOTLIGHT
Idris Elba Moves to Africa to Help Rewrite the Continent’s Narrative

Did you hear about Idris Elba’s decision to move to Africa to launch a production studio? This move is inspiring on many levels, as it represents a commitment to reclaiming the African narrative and investing in authentic storytelling. Here are five powerful lessons we’re taking away from his decision:

1️⃣ Control Your Storytelling: Western media’s misrepresentation of Africa has cost the continent billions in lost opportunities. Idris aims to take control of these narratives, telling stories that represent Africa authentically from within.

2️⃣ Protect Our Culture: Idris emphasized preserving Africa’s diverse cultures, languages, and histories through storytelling, a step toward ensuring the continent’s narratives are told accurately and respectfully.

3️⃣ Think Long-Term: Real change takes time. Idris’s commitment to building Africa’s production infrastructure over the next decade reminds us to be patient, persistent, and play the long game.

4️⃣ Pan-Africanism as a Guiding Principle: This project is rooted in Pan-Africanism, which emphasizes unity and self-determination among people of African descent worldwide, celebrating shared heritage and striving for collective liberation.

5️⃣ Be on the Ground: Idris is relocating to Africa to understand the communities he wants to impact truly. Real change requires fully immersing and committing to understanding the people and places you want to serve.

Idris Elba’s move is a powerful reminder of the importance of owning our stories, protecting our cultures, and working for long-term impact.

Travel Tips!
TRAVEL TIP OF THE WEEK: Airline Cancellations and Refunds – Know Your Rights

With new federal regulations in place, U.S. airlines must now refund passengers for flights they cancel automatically. This recent ruling aims to protect travelers from unexpected disruptions, ensuring you receive your money back promptly without jumping through hoops. If your flight is canceled, you can expect a refund without requesting it. Read the full story on CNN for more details.

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