New Boundaries

Written by Emma Hagert | Designed by Chelsea Kuo | Graphics by Sophie Jurion

Travel influencers pushing the envelope

Nneka M. Okona

A journalist, author, and self-proclaimed “grief worker,” Nneka Okona writes about travel, allowing readers to explore some of our most complex feelings—grief and loss— and centers many of her narratives around the impact travel has for Black communities. The locations she travels to and writes about expand and connect the roots of Black culture around the globe. Her work landed her in the Ray Charles, jazz and brandy-filled era of Cognac, to uncover the lost legacies of underrepresented communities in the American south. She seeks out profound ancestral African locations and stories among some of the most infamous vacation towns in the US—those areas that usually go unnoticed and stories untold.

Whether a profound self-care experience is what you’re looking for during your travels, or simply a source for inspiration and encouragement, Okona has got you covered. This year, she has launched a campaign to fundraise for her new travel media company, titled “Those Who Soar: A travel resource for Black Women.”

Yagazie Emezi

Traveling all across Africa, Yagazie Emezie is a Nigerian artist and self-taught photojournalist. Her work serves, at times, as a political commentary on Nigeria’s governance, or is centered around other activists’ efforts. In 2019, she became a certified National Geographic Explorer, and the first Black, African woman to photograph for the magazine, often sharing stories that represent African women’s impact.

Emezi’s extensive portfolio is intimate and real, featuring the intersections of African culture, lifestyle, identity, politics, and social justice. She also produces work on her website, touching on similar topics, such as art and fashion, in addition to her typical breadth of work.

From May to September of next year, Emezi will be featured alongside several other West African photographers as part of the first New Photography 2023, an exhibition presented by the Museum of Modern Art. The exhibit will highlight currentlyliving West African photographers in exploring the history of Lagos.

Chris Burkard

To live a fulfilling life, Chris Burkard once said in his TED talk, “anything that is worth pursuing is going to require us to suffer, just a little bit.” Starting off as a surf photographer who never shied away from harsh weather conditions and painful climates, he quickly became known for traveling and capturing the waves in some of the wildest, remote, and unthinkable places. Now a renowned outdoor travel photographer and more recently the creative director and producer for his own media company, Burkard is always on the hunt for new landscapes that require more of him than just “showing up” to snap a photo.

The beautiful places he so carefully captures within a frame allows his viewers to be in on the moment—a glimpse in time from one of his adventures. His work is a powerful portrayal of different and unique experiences with nature, and his work attracts those that seek to step out into the world and explore the unknown.

Pack Heavy Chase Light

Shot and directed by Sam Moody, “Pack Heavy Chase Light” is a new documentary travel series made by the Scandinavian travel brand DB on YouTube. Moody goes around the world interviewing creators, artists, photographers, filmmakers, and writers to learn more about their craft.

The series focuses on showcasing the different paths and stories various individuals from every part of the globe have created en-route to their passion. There is no right way to view the world and its inhabitants, making the channel so exciting. Viewers can continue to be inspired and learn from those who choose to shed light on their personal journeys and the perspectives they’ve developed over time.