Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ronnell Perry.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
- Share Ronnell Perry’s journey from corporate America to becoming a travel entrepreneur.
- Educate listeners on the transformative power of travel, especially in Afro-Latin communities.
- Break down stereotypes about international destinations and promote culturally respectful tourism.
🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Travel as Transformation
- Ronnell views travel not just as leisure, but as a tool for education, self-discovery, and cultural empathy.
- Travel helps people see themselves reflected in other cultures and challenges preconceived notions.
“Everybody wants to be loved and everybody wants to show love… that’s what I really learn through travel.”
2. From Layoff to Launch
- After being laid off during the pandemic, Ronnell turned his side hustle into a full-time business.
- He used the time to reflect, listen to his spirit, and build a sustainable brand.
“The universe said, this is your moment… dedicate it to your travel business.”
3. Afro-Latin Travel Focus
- His company, AfroBuenaventura, specializes in curated travel experiences in Latin America, especially for Black travelers.
- He emphasizes cultural respect, local partnerships, and immersive experiences.
“I call myself your personal ambassador to Latin America.”
4. Respecting Local Cultures
- Travelers must be mindful of how they dress, speak, and behave in foreign countries.
- Ronnell stresses humility and cultural sensitivity over entitlement.
“Just like someone’s visiting your home… you take your shoes off if that’s what they ask.”
5. Language as a Gateway
- Ronnell is trilingual (English, Spanish, Portuguese), which allows him to connect authentically with locals.
- Language fluency enhances the travel experience and builds trust.
“Once you unlock the key of speaking the way they speak, it just unlocks a whole new world.”
6. Building a Brand from a Blog
- His business started as a blog documenting budget travel.
- Through consistency, SEO, and audience engagement, he transitioned to paid group trips and custom travel planning.
“People started to pay me to take them on group trips or to plan a trip for them.”
7. Not a Budget Travel Service
- Ronnell clarifies that his services are not budget travel—they are high-touch, curated experiences.
- His value lies in expertise, safety, and cultural immersion.
“The level of value that I provide is not a budget trip… I’m doing it for you.”
8. Reframing Stereotypes About Destinations
- He challenges negative perceptions of Colombia, Cuba, and Brazil by sharing personal stories and local insights.
- These places are rich in culture, resilience, and beauty despite economic or political challenges.
“The messaging we hear… is not coming from people who look like us.”
9. Group Trips with Cultural Purpose
- Ronnell organizes trips around events like Fest AG Maja in Brazil and Afropunk.
- These trips celebrate Black heritage and support local communities.
“If you want to support Black communities through tourism, that’s what I offer.”
🗣️ Notable Quotes
- “Let me be your liaison… your ambassador.”
- “Travel is about education… it’s transformative.”
- “Budget travel is not my forte.”
- “Don’t go by yourself—go with someone who knows the community.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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