My Why: I’m Not Caribbean. But I Felt Called.
- Edkesha Anderson
- Aug 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 22
Introduction: Why A Journey Without a Map
When I launched TravelWithKey, someone asked me a question that lingered longer than I expected:
“Are you Caribbean?”
I said no.
And then came the pause. That quiet, almost imperceptible shift.
The kind of pause that carries a question beneath it: Then why are you doing this?
It wasn’t judgmental. Just curious. But it struck something deep.
Because the truth is—I’m not Caribbean.
Not by birth. Not by family lineage.
But I am part of the diaspora. My why.
And I’ve felt the call.
This blog, this platform, this movement, it wasn’t born from inherited tradition.
It was born from inherited silence.
The Call of the Diaspora
Being part of the diaspora means carrying a piece of the Caribbean spirit within me, even if my roots do not trace back to its shores. My connection to this vibrant culture is woven through shared stories, music, and the collective experiences of those who came before me. It’s a connection that transcends geographical boundaries and speaks to the heart.
My Why TravelWithKey Exists
TravelWithKey was never about tourism.
It was about transformation.
I created this space for Black families—Caribbean, Southern, diasporic, multigenerational—who want to travel not just for leisure, but for legacy.
For those who feel the pull toward ancestral reconnection, even if they don’t have a passport full of stamps or a family tree that traces neatly to one island.
This blog is for the curious.
For the ones who feel called to the Caribbean, even if they weren’t born into it.
For the ones who want to travel with reverence, not just with itineraries.
Understanding My Motivation
Why do I feel compelled to create a platform centered around Caribbean culture and travel? The answer lies in the rich tapestry of experiences that define the Caribbean identity. I am motivated by:
Curiosity: A desire to explore the stories and histories that shape the Caribbean.
Connection: A longing to connect with others who share this passion, regardless of their background.
Advocacy: A commitment to amplify voices from the Caribbean and highlight the beauty and diversity of its cultures.
Celebration: A wish to celebrate the resilience and creativity of Caribbean people, especially in the face of challenges.
The Silence That Inspired Action
Inherited silence can be a powerful force. It often represents the stories untold, the experiences unshared, and the cultures uncelebrated. This silence can be suffocating, yet it also serves as a catalyst for action. My journey began with a recognition of this silence and a desire to break it.
Through TravelWithKey, I aim to fill the gaps, to give voice to the narratives that deserve to be heard. This journey without a map is not about adhering to a specific path but about embracing the unknown and discovering the richness of the Caribbean experience.
Tools for Reconnection: Travel as Ritual
If you’ve ever felt that same sacred gap, here are a few tools I’ve used to turn travel into a ritual of remembrance:
Tool | Purpose | Why it Matters |
|---|---|---|
Prompts to explore family stories, even if fragmented | Helps you travel with emotional clarity and intention. | |
Deepens understanding of regional culture and resistance | Grounds your journey in context, not just scenery | |
Print family photos to carry or alter during travel | Makes memory tangible; turns hotel rooms into sacred space. |
Conclusion: Embracing the Journey
As I continue on this journey, I invite you to join me. Together, we can explore the depths of Caribbean culture, celebrate its diversity, and engage with its stories. This is not just a blog; it’s a movement towards understanding, connection, and celebration. It’s about creating a space where all voices can resonate, and where the silence is finally broken.
🌺 Until Next Time, TWKLegacy Circle:
Travel with reverence. Move with intention. And may your path be lit by those who walked it before you.
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