Black Lives Matter

To the Portico community,

Travel provides us with an opportunity to try and walk in someone else’s shoes, to see how life can be different and also how similar. We can immerse ourselves in another culture, to learn about and respect cultural nuances. Itâ€™s a privilege for us to be able to do so and we know not everyone is afforded that privilege. Which is why we have an obligation to take those learnings, bring them home, and incorporate them into our daily lives.

Unfortunately, not everyone is treated the same when they travel, although they should be. Racism is alive and well across the globe, as weâ€™re seeing with protests in cities around the world.

We at Portico are devastated by the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, Dreasjon Reed, and too many others. There is so much pain and injustice that needs to be addressed. We stand in solidarity with the Black community in confronting systemic racism, especially in the US where we are headquartered. We need to speak about it, vote for those who will change laws, and find ways to make a positive difference.Â Â

Our underlying mission of Portico and belief in travel is that it can better connect the world. We need to not forget to also connect with our neighbor down the street and those in the neighborhoods across town. We are born into this world full of love. Racism is taught. It is not innate. We must stand together to unteach it, and that begins at home.

We all need to listen, learn, better educate ourselves and those around us, and contribute in ways that make real change. Here are some of the resources and voices we are following:Â

If you have additional resources you would like to share with us, please let us know here.Â

Spread love and understanding, not hate.

Jacqueline Hampton
Founder & CEO, Portico

Featuring original artwork by @ohhappydani