Mikaela Ian Pearman At 2025 Black Travel Expo

[Written by Mikaela Ian Pearman]

Last weekend, I had the incredible honor of moderating the final panel at Black Travel Expo 2025, held at the stunning Thompson Atlanta–Buckhead. It was a weekend of insight, community, elevation and a beautifully curated celebration of what it means to be a Black traveler today.

Founded by Maurice Foley, this event is more than a travel expo, it’s a cultural movement. It brought together seasoned globetrotters, first-time passport holders, content creators, startup founders, travel executives, and those dreaming about their next big leap. And the energy? Immaculate.

My Panel: “Next-Gen Storytellers”

On the Sunday afternoon, I had the privilege of moderating “Next-Gen Storytellers: Shaping the Future of Travel Content Creation” – a conversation that felt like the perfect closing act for an incredible weekend.

We discussed:

• How Black creators are redefining what travel storytelling looks and feels like
• What is fundamentally changing the way we create and consume content in 2025
• The tools, trends, or technologies that are truly empowering creators right now

It was honest, powerful, and affirming. A moment that reminded me how many of us are building platforms from our own narratives and that our stories don’t have to be filtered to be valid.

Weekend Highlights: Insight, Innovation & Intention

The Black Travel Expo 2025 kicked off with a keynote from Jay Cameron on the power of global citizenship and continued with a powerful string of panels, solo talks, and cultural insights. A few standout moments:

• “The Black Male Traveler” panel reframed what adventure, identity, and global exploration looks like through a Black lens
• Stephen Kilonzo’s keynote on partnerships and unlocking East Africa brought a global perspective to the room
• Charles Shima’s talk on going viral with purpose was a masterclass in mission-driven visibility
• Wanda Thomas and Emil Yongoueth explored how tech and AI are reshaping travel access, planning, and safety
• Ronnie Dunston gave us a travel hacking crash course that had the room taking notes
• Samella Watson, founder of BLCK, spoke on innovation and the future of travel tech and community-building

From cultural movement to digital disruption, every speaker brought a new layer to what it means to travel while Black and build from that experience.

The Power of Space & Community

Held at the Thompson Buckhead, the event itself reflected everything Luxury Rebellion stands for – presence, elegance, story, and intention.

From the exhibitor spotlights to the sponsorship suite by Louisville Tourism and post-panel conversations, there was a sense of shared identity and expansive possibility in every room. This wasn’t just a networking event. It was a curated container for people who travel with purpose and vision.

We weren’t just exchanging business cards. We were building legacy.

Reflections from the Weekend

I left Atlanta filled up in every way – creatively, emotionally, and spiritually.

This experience reminded me that Luxury Rebellion doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s part of a larger movement, one where Black women, Black creators, and Black travelers are narrating their lives with richness and clarity.

And that’s the kind of story that stays with you.

Next Up: Magnetic Content Live – July 12

If the Expo was about being seen, then Magnetic Content Live is about being remembered.

This 60-minute workshop is for lifestyle creators, storytellers, and visionary women who want to turn their real lives into content that connects and converts, without faking a thing.

What I shared on stage? I’ll be teaching in depth inside this workshop.

Reserve your seat now here.

Because the future of content isn’t about trends. It’s about truth well told.

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Category: All, Business