Weekly Passport

😎 TRAVEL
9 DAYS UNTIL RICHMOND, VIRGINIA!

Welcome back! If you’re new here, welcome 😄 !

In this issue of Culture Travels Weekly Passport, we introduce you to some of the people and places our team will meet when we travel to Richmond, Virginia next week! Man, it’s coming fast.

First up, Mama J’s!

Mama J’s story, from Velma Johnson’s childhood to a renowned soul food restaurant, showcases family, heritage, and community revitalization.

Mama J’s story begins with Velma Johnson, affectionately known as Mama J. Born into a family of fourteen, Velma grew up in a cozy home on the West End of Richmond. She and her siblings shared all the household chores, including helping their mother and grandmother in the kitchen as they prepared large family meals. This is where she learned the magic of the recipes now served at Mama J’s.

Fast-forward 50 years, Velma’s eldest son, Lester Johnson, along with his best friend, Johnathan Mayo, saw an opportunity. They aimed to facilitate the redevelopment of Historic Jackson Ward, Richmond’s historically African-American neighborhood. Once the epicenter of Black commerce, entertainment, and religion inn the South, the district needed revitalization. Lester and Johnson knew his family’s recipes were the perfect way to help.

In 2009, the family opened Mama J’s, a name given to Velma by her daughters. Since then, its’ reputation has soared, making it one of the most notable soul food restaurants in America.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Tik Tok where we’ll share all our photos, videos, and tips of our upcoming trip to Richmond!

Culture Travels will head to Richmond, Virginia for a one-week exploration of BLK RVA - a collaborative initiative between Richmond Regional Tourism (RRT) and 20+ Black community leaders.

ICE CREAM ANYONE?!

Wait till you see the content ideas we have planned for Ruby Scoops!!

Ruby Scoops, founded by Rabia Kamara, came to fruition October 2014, when Rabia noticed the increasing rarity of consistent high quality local desserts. She decided it was time to change that. Ruby Scoops using ingredients from local farms to bring her community the finest, richest ice creams, sorbets, sherbets, and baked goods!

We’ve already placed orders for a scoop of their Hot Honey Cornbread flavor!

🧳 COMPANY UPDATES 
DO YOU KNOW WHAT 1806 STANDS FOR?

When our team lands in Richmond, we’ll also debut our official Culture Travels passport stamp!

This stamp, born from a desire to honor the travels of our ancestors, build a connected global community, and do something different and cool will authenticate Culture Travels merch, stories, and events! More to come on this, but for now let’s learn what the number 1806 stands for on our stamp.

The first African American to receive an official U.S. passport that denoted citizenship was likely Essex White in 1806 who granted the document by then Secretary of State James Monroe. White only received the passport because he was enslaved to John Randolph of Roanoke, a U.S. Congressman, who was preparing to travel to Europe and wanted White to travel with him.

Before this, the Department of State remained reluctant to grant colored travelers the coveted document.

Check back next week to learn more about our branded passport stamp and how we’re honoring the legacy and travels of Marcus Garvey!

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