This June, Black2Zanzibar is hosting guests from around the world in Zanzibar, Tanzania, celebrating Black diasporas and fostering community among them.
This year’s Black2Zanzibar will be an inaugural three-day festival held in beautiful Zanzibar, known for its teal-blue water beaches and fragrant spice plantations. Black2Zanzibar is the product of Urban Flight Collective founder Chanice Williams, content creator Lisa Shakespeare, and a corporate healthcare professional and travel advisor Dominic Adams.
In addition to celebrating Juneteenth, attendees can expect to strengthen bonds of community and connection that cross diaspora lines. The group staying on the island for Black2Zanzibar’s extended June experience will explore, dig into local culture, and participate in unique planned events, excursions, and volunteer efforts. Things to do will include photoshoots, a private Maasai dinner, enjoying Zanzibar’s nightlife, and more. They may also choose to spend time learning about Zanzibar’s significant role in the East African slave trade.
What Do I Need To Know About The Event?
When: Black2Zanzibar takes place from June 18 to 20. However, guests can extend their trip for an eight-day experience (June 18 to 26). In the days following the three-day Juneteenth festivities, guests will explore Zanzibar’s culture, history, wildlife, food, and nightlife.
Where: Zanzibar, Tanzania
How: Guests are responsible for their own flights to and from Zanzibar. They’ll also have to obtain their visa, vaccinations (if needed), and travel and health insurance. Those interested in attending need to make their deposit and payments towards the trip, share their flight details, and keep updated with trip alerts. Once June comes, they’ll embark on their Black2Zanzibar adventure.
Why: Black2Zanzibar’s goal is to combine Juneteenth celebrations with deeper cultural exploration and connections to Zanzibar, Tanzania, and East Africa.
Who: Those of the Black and African diaspora who want to celebrate Juneteenth with a culturally rich, fun, unique, and impactful experience in East Africa.
What To Expect
Black2Zanzibar is a three-day Juneteenth festival serving as a meeting ground for intercultural celebration, connection, and lasting memories. Guests receive a hotel stay that includes daily breakfast, pool access, massage services, an on-site bar, and air-conditioned rooms with Wi-Fi. Experiences you can expect include:
- Cultural enrichment opportunities
- Group excursions
- Nightlife events
- Shared meals
- Several opportunities to give back and support the local community
Planned events include:
- The “Coming to Africa” Gala: This stunning, elegant opening-night event will include you strutting down a red carpet, enjoying live entertainment, and dining on a delicious meal under the stars.
- Freedom Tide Yacht Day (June 19): This celebration of freedom honors Black attendees’ return to African waters on their own terms. Moreover, attendees will do so on yachts in a joyous and celebratory fashion. Expect good music (Afrobeats, Hip Hop, Amapiano, and Dancehall) and the vibrant energy of Black joy.
- Karaoke & Nighttime Celebration (on the night of Juneteenth): The group will head to an African American–owned restaurant to sing their hearts out to beloved tunes.
- The Zanzibar Diaspora Investment Summit (June 20): This summit will bring together Black2Zanzibar attendees, local expats, investors, bankers, and professionals. The focus will be on sharing practical information about investing in property and doing business in East Africa. Discussions will revolve around long-term opportunities in Africa, including investment and entrepreneurship.
- The Finale Bash — Private Beach Club Takeover (June 20): Prepare to show off your best dance moves while on the beach during an epic party.
Who Is Chanice Williams And What Else Is There To Know About Black2Zanzibar?
Known online as “Fly With Queenie,” Williams is a first-generation Jamaican American born and raised in Queens, New York. She’s a travel content creator who focuses on highlighting Africa and destinations connected to the diaspora. Through her company Urban Flight Collective, she also organizes group trips to destinations across the continent. She shared with Travel Noire that she met Black2Zanzibar’s co-founders during one of those trips.
“The idea actually came together organically,” she recalled. “Dominic and Lisa attended one of my group trips to Cuba last April, and during that trip, we began talking about creative ways to celebrate Juneteenth in a meaningful way. One conversation led to another, and the concept for Black2Zanzibar began to take shape.”
After taking a DNA test in 2018, Williams says she was inspired to start exploring the countries connected to her ancestry.
“What began as a personal mission to visit those countries eventually grew into a broader goal of exploring the entire continent. When I first visited Tanzania in 2021, I immediately fell in love with the country. That experience ultimately helped inspire the vision behind Black2Zanzibar. I’m 13 African countries in, and can’t wait to explore more,” she said.
“More than anything, I hope attendees leave with a sense of home and belonging on the continent,” she continued, regarding what she wants attendees to take away from Black2Zanzibar. “For many in the diaspora, visiting Africa can be a powerful and emotional experience. I want people to walk away feeling proud, connected, and inspired to explore even more countries across Africa. If someone leaves Black2Zanzibar already planning their next trip to the continent, then we’ve done our job.”
Williams now spends half her time living in Zanzibar and the other half in NYC.
Regarding why she chose Tanzania as the host country for Black2Zanzibar’s inaugural June event, she said the East African nation is approachable for tourism, bubbling with culture, and absolutely stunning.
“Many travelers from the diaspora are familiar with West Africa. So we wanted to help shine a light on East Africa, which has its own incredible history, culture, and beauty. Tanzania offers such a unique mix of experiences,” Williams explained.
“What I personally love most about Tanzania is the calm energy and the warmth of the people,” she added. “It’s a welcoming place that feels approachable for travelers who may be visiting Africa for the first time. At the same time, it offers everything many travelers are looking for — beautiful beaches, rich culture and history, great food, vibrant nightlife, and a strong sense of safety and hospitality.”
