TORONTO — Following up on its July online event, the organizers behind Let’s Get Uncomfortable have announced part 2 of its panel discussion, Confronting Anti-Black Racism in Travel & Tourism.
LGU says the next instalment will focus on accountability and change and is set to take place Tues. Aug. 25, from 12 – 1:30 p.m. ET (9 – 10:30 a.m. PT)
Topics on the agenda include how organizations and professionals in the travel industry can: identify racist practices as it relates to their role as employers and service providers; actively and effectively dismantle the internal systems on which these practices are based; and develop sustainable diversity and inclusive policies.
Before the discussion begins, attendees are invited to share, anonymously via this Google Form, one thing they plan on doing to be anti-racist as it relates to their work in travel & tourism,
The Aug. 25 panel of tourism and human resources experts includes Lauren Gay, founder of Outdoorsy Diva Blog & Outdoorsy Diva Podcast, and founding member of the Black Travel Alliance; Kier Matthews, director of sales at Classic Vacations; and Jodie Glean-Mitchell, antiracism, equity and inclusion educator, and founder of REACTCanada – Race Equity Advisory Consulting & Training.
Moderator Shalene Dudley, founder of Latitude Concierge Travels and LGU organizer, also moderated the July event.
Despite their contributions to the travel and tourism industry, “Black voices have long been missing from the conversation,” said Dudley during the July event. “Simply put, the travel industry is run by individuals who hardly represent those who keep the wheels turning.” A recording of the two-hour July event discussion can be found here.
Participants are being asked to contribute what they can financially for tickets, and silent sponsors are welcome in order to help support LGU and compensate panelists.
