Sojourn Noir

08/09/2024

September’s sunny days with crisp, cooler temps are perfect for outdoor exploration and Downtown York, PA has lots of walkable history in just a few short blocks. With easy access to the Rail Trail, restaurants, shopping, art galleries and more, you can make a day of it or a full weekend adventure! Check out this quick route for inspiration, or discover your own walkable (ridable) history in York, PA.
• We started at the southeast corner of Market and George streets. Just a few steps east on Market Street, near the County Administration Building, you’ll find details on the history of Thomas Morris Chester, integral to the U.S. Colored Troops and a noted Civil War Correspondent.
• Cross Market Street to the northeast corner of Continental Square and read about the significant role of York County as a station in the Underground Railroad, including the life of Osborne Perry Anderson, the sole survivor of John Brown’s 1859 raid of Harpers Ferry, VA in the crusade against slavery. Anderson would later be hidden by William C. Goodridge, a conductor on the Underground Railroad, at his home just a couple blocks away.
• Go west on Market Street to the Colonial Courthouse to learn more about The Articles of Confederation, penned in York, PA. (Bonus: There’s easy access to the tree-lined Rail Trail and views of the Codorus Creek just steps away!)
• Go north on Pershing Avenue to visit the new York County History Center.
• Turn east on Philadelphia Street and walk past the intersections of Beaver and George streets (or stop to enjoy great shopping and dining options.) After Duke Street, on the left at 123 E Philadelphia Street, you’ll find the home of William C. Goodridge, a prominent African American business man and entrepreneur, who risked his life and livelihood to provide refuge and a path to freedom from enslavement through the Underground Railroad. His former family home is now the location of the Goodridge Freedom Center which is marked by his statue in front.

Check out Sojourn Noir’s video.

26/08/2024

That time we were on a fall photo shoot in the Royal Square District and the Temple Guard rolled through!! What an incredible and unexpected bonus to an amazing day! The YWCA York Temple Guard pays homage to the legacy of stepping, which dates back to its origins at HBCU's across the country in the early 1900's. These young people are doing the tradition proud! This summer they were part of the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington. And they're featured in the York County History Center!

Our photographer, Cisco Soto of Washington Winnona Images, LLC, jumped right in to capture the moment while our travelers, Ray and P, who were visiting Downtown York, PA on a girls trip enjoyed the show. Try not to dance when that percussion hits your chest. Aye!!!! 🥁💓

Look for more images from this shoot in our upcoming posts highlighting fall travel.

21/08/2024

This week York County, PA celebrates its 275th anniversary! It's a milestone moment to recognize our past and the contributions of so many who shaped this country into what it is today, including important figures like Julia Johnson who was active in York County’s Underground Railroad.

You can experience local history first-hand with the York County History Passport Program. Through September 1st, students (18 and under) can visit participating history sites throughout York County to learn about York’s rich history. Along the way, collect stamps in your passport and enter to win exciting prizes. The more passport stamps you collect, the higher your chances of winning prizes!

Visit the website for more details: https://www.yorkhistorycenter.org/event/history-passport

14/08/2024

York Arts Week Chalk Walk, August 24-25, celebrates the creativity of artists and promotes the importance of public art. The sidewalks of Downtown York, PA become an artist’s canvas and a place for the audience to watch works of art come to life! Murals will be located in York City, PA on West Market Street between Beaver Street and Pershing Avenue. Visit the website for hours and more information: https://www.york365.com/event/chalk-walk-2024/

Check out our latest blog for more upcoming events to end summer on a high note and ease into autumn! https://www.sojournnoir.com/news/end-summer-on-a-high-note-with-family-friendly-adventures-that-wont-cost-a-penny

12/08/2024

August feels like summer’s last stand, a rousing finale to the long hot days and late sunsets. But, the fun’s not over yet! Whether you’re a local seeking a creative staycation or a road tripper in search of a quick getaway, check out our latest blog and soak in the last days of summer and ease into autumn with these adventures in York County, PA selected with Black travelers in mind. Even better, they’re family-friendly and all free!

https://www.sojournnoir.com/news/end-summer-on-a-high-note-with-family-friendly-adventures-that-wont-cost-a-penny

August feels like summer’s last stand, a rousing finale to the long hot days and late sunsets. But, the fun’s not over yet. Soak in the last days of summer and ease into autumn with these adventures in York County, PA with Black travelers in mind.

25/07/2024

On August 2, the new York County History Center will be unveiled at its new location in the historic Steam Plant. Thoughtful planning, curation, and community contributions have resulted in a magnificent space that documents the stories and contributions of all those who are part of our history, including Black residents who shaped the county's past.

Exhibits include documentation of the lives of Black York Countians Cyrus and Joanna from the late 1800s; Cub Scout Troop 11, the first African American troop in York; Truman Fells, believed to be the first Black dairy farm owner in all of Pennsylvania, and more.

You can download a York County Black History itinerary and other sample itineraries on the History Center website at: https://historical-itineraries.yorkhistorycenter.org/

Admission is free for the Grand Opening Community Celebration, August 2-4! See the website for more details. https://www.yorkhistorycenter.org/event/grand-opening-celebration

Uncover York's rich past with stories of Black residents who shaped the county's past. Explore the legacies of everyday heroes, from the courageous conductors of the Underground Railroad to the pioneering Black farmers who tilled the land.
Here's a glimpse of what awaits you:

➡️ Family heirlooms like the Bible and photos of Cyrus and Joanna Johnson offer a window into their lives in the late 1800s.
➡️ Learn about Cub Scout Troop 11, the first African American troop in York.
➡️ Discover the story of Truman Fells, believed to be the first Black dairy farm owner in all of Pennsylvania.
➡️ Explore the artistic legacy of the Keenheel family in the History Keepers exhibit.

This is just a taste of the incredible resources available at the York County History Center. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with the rich history of Black York County!

Start your historical odyssey today with the York County History Center.
🆓 Download your sample itineraries today. https://historical-itineraries.yorkhistorycenter.org/

20/07/2024

Local artists are infusing culture, community, and their personal perspective into mural artwork on display throughout downtown York, PA.

Many artists of color enrich the narrative and tapestry of the downtown York, PA murals, like Mz. Icar, an anonymous art collective predominantly comprised of Black Women, that stands at the intersection of artistic innovation and societal transformation. The collective's name, “racIzM,” spelled backward, serves as a guiding principle, symbolizing their mission to upend conventional constructs of gender and race.

This mural, titled "Transitions" depicts the transition and transformation the artists witnessed happening in the city of York.

Read more in our recent blog and plan your visit to see these inspiring murals in person!

www.sojournnoir.com/news/york-city-murals-deliver-culture-community-and-creativity-in-view

Murals have been a form of creative expression for thousands of years. Today, local artists are infusing culture, community, and their personal experiences and perspective into custom mural artwork on display throughout downtown York, PA. In the Royal Square district of downtown York, PA there are

18/07/2024

Summer weekends are made for relaxation, exploration and adventure! Whether you have a couple hours for a local excursion or you’re looking for a weekend getaway, explore York County’s Cultural Trails for an inspiring experience celebrating strength, diversity, perseverance, and the entrepreneurial “makers spirit" that defines our area. Self-guided trails include an African-American Focused, Woman Owned and Operated, and Military Appreciation trails, all designed to bring historical accounts of local, legendary heroes to life and to interactively share the stories of powerful black- and women-owned businesses.

The African American Cultural Trail spans the impact and contributions of York County African Americans dating back to the War of 1812 up to current day entrepreneurs, business owners and others shaping our community. Our history runs deep here, there's so much to learn and explore.

Check out the Explore York County Cultural Trails at https://www.yorkpa.org/tours-trails/cultural-trails

Join Explore York as we celebrate diversity, creativity, resiliency, and artisanship. Enjoy an inspiring experience about the pioneers and crafters of York County.

26/06/2024

Sojourn Noir was selected to be a presenter at this year's Pennsylvania Downtown Center 2024 Annual Conference: The Crossroads of Community & Collaboration. We presented a session titled "Every Welcome Sign Is Not A Welcoming Space..." encouraging Main Street managers, downtown development organizations, businesses, tourism marketers and anyone invested in community and economic development to take a closer look at what it means to create a truly welcoming destination and spaces inclusive of the $110 Billion+ U.S. Black leisure tourism segment. It was a thought-provoking session that yielded meaningful engagement, connection and conversation.

Thank you to Pennsylvania Downtown Center for the invitation to be a presenter and to all who attended!

19/06/2024

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION GIVEAWAY!

In honor of the Juneteenth National Independence Day celebration, we invite you to pursue your inalienable right to travel!

Enter to win a two-night stay at Grace Manor Bed & Breakfast in downtown York, PA, plus a $100 gift certificate for dinner at a local restaurant. This travel package is valued at $560. (Prize does not include transportation or gratuities.)

TO ENTER:
Like this post and follow the Sojourn Noir page.

For an additional entry, you can also like the giveaway post on our Instagram page and follow the Sojourn Noir page .

You can only enter once on each platform – Facebook and Instagram. If you have both a Facebook and an Instagram account, you can enter once from both platforms, which will qualify as two separate entries!

Entries will be accepted online starting on Juneteenth - Wednesday, June 19 and ending Sunday June 30, 2024 at 11:59p.m. ET.

One Winner will be randomly selected. The winner will be notified by social media within five (5) days following selection, on/about July 5, 2024.

No purchase necessary to enter. This Sweepstakes is hosted by Sojourn Noir, LLC. and is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Meta (Facebook, Instagram).

For more information, visit the event page at:
https://www.facebook.com/events/770750418579185/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A

Happy Juneteenth! Thanks for participating and good luck!

24/05/2024

Looking to experience local history and heritage this Memorial Day weekend? Consider a visit to Lebanon Cemetery in north York, PA. Until the mid-1960s, this was one of the only graveyards in the area where African Americans could be interred. "There was segregation, even in death," says Samantha Dorm, Co-Founder of Friends of Lebanon Cemetery.

Dating back to the 19th century, former slaves, veterans, clergy, doctors, politicians, prominent community members and other rest in these hallowed grounds. Their struggles, hardships and passions paved the way for future generations. Notable figures include veterans dating back to the War of 1812 and the Civil War, both World Wars, Tuskegee Airmen, York County’s first Black elected official, York’s first Black physician with connections to the minor-league York Colored Monarchs and many others, too numerous to name.

Check out the website to plan your visit: https://friendsoflebanoncemetery.com/ Call 717.819.9448 or email [email protected] to confirm Memorial Day weekend hours and more information.

Preserving the future

01/05/2024

Sojourn Noir is proud to be invited to participate in the National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways Chat series. The Chats are regularly scheduled networking and learning opportunities intended to provide communities and visitors with authentic Chesapeake Bay watershed experiences and make outdoor spaces accessible to everyone.

Ashley Hill, Sojourn Noir's Diversity & Cultural Intelligence expert, will be a presenter in the Chesapeake Gateways Chat: Creating Welcoming and Respectful Spaces for African Americans on May 2 at 4pm ET. See event description below and find more information at https://www.nps.gov/locations/chesapeakebaywatershed/index.htm

Chesapeake Gateways Chat: Creating Welcoming and Respectful Spaces for African Americans
Creating welcoming spaces is a key pillar of the Chesapeake Gateways visitor experience network. In this session, guest speakers Tameka Jefferson, Community Relations Manager with Visit Richmond (and BLK RVA), and Ashley Hill of Sojourn Noir will share key takeaways from their successful models.

View this chat and previous discussions on the National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/

Photo Credit: NPS Chesapeake Gateways

25/04/2024

Penn Market is located in the WeCo District of Downtown York, PA, the neighborhood district featuring the highest concentration of businesses owned by people of color. Visit Penn Market to find the best products and produce the region has to offer - everything from fresh fruit to soul food, coffee, greens, baked goods, authentic Puerto Rican dishes, handmade soaps, a small-batch Black-owned winery, and everything in between. History fact: it's also York County’s oldest continuously operated farmer’s market, since 1866.

To learn more about Penn Market vendors, events, and hours, go to: pennmarket.com.

Explore York County PA Downtown York, PA visitPA City of York Penn Market WeCo York, PA

23/04/2024

Happy Earth Day! We hope you take a moment to be outdoors, breathe some fresh air and do something that's good for you and the planet. Healthy, green living can be integral to self-care and wellness for the whole family.

Speaking of green, one of the most highly anticipated events in Downtown York, PA, Go Green in the City, is this Saturday, April 27th! It's a celebration of green, healthy, and local living. Learn about sustainable living practices, growing your own garden, holistic skincare and more. With over 70 vendors, live music and entertainment, demonstrations, children's activities and food, there's something for everyone! Plus, the Rail Trail, Restaurant Row, markets, art galleries, museums and more are all in close proximity.
You'll want to make this a part of your weekend plans!

You can find more information about Go Green in the City at https://downtownyorkpa.com/go-green-in-the-city/

Photo courtesy of Downtown York, PA

Explore York County PA visitPA City of York

09/04/2024

York County is abundant with rich African American history. From peacemakers, to trailblazers, to groundbreakers you can experience a wealth of history.

Located in the heart of Downtown York, the William C. Goodridge Freedom Center and Underground Railroad Museum House welcomes visitors to experience and learn about one of York’s most important entrepreneurs, abolitionists, and heroes. At the Goodridge Center, you are invited to connect with the past and discover its vestiges in today’s society.

To plan your visit to the Goodridge Center, go to: goodridgefreedomcenter.org.

Explore York County PA Downtown York, PA visitPA City of York

05/04/2024

From the historic Rail Trail to neighborhood spaces like Penn Park, York is rich with fun, beautiful outdoor and adventure opportunities. We are committed to exposing Black travelers to emotionally safe, welcoming, and respectfully engaging activities for the adventure seeker.

Back in October, York was visited by travel writers, Outdoorsy Black Women, featuring many of the businesses, amenities, and experiences throughout the York County Trail Towns.

Click the link below to read about their adventures:

Share via: Share  “This is a sponsored post. We loved partnering with York County for this adventure. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are…

23/03/2024

Sojourn Noir invites you to bring your need for rest and self-care to experience York County, PA.

While an inalienable right, sleep, like all other basic human dignities, were made impossible to access from the start for Black people captured and trafficked across the Atlantic.

So when activists like the brilliant Tricia Hersey, also known as the Nap Bishop, speak of rest for Black people, she rightly points to it as a political issue because of the centuries long campaign to deny Black people rest and the physical health issue as rest and relaxation are a required part of functioning as a human being.

Sojourn Noir defines self-care as the purposeful and intentional stepping away from systems of oppression whose purpose is to keep one too exhausted, frustrated and distracted to have space to dream, imagine, and actualize freedom. It includes, but is not limited to, nourishment from food, relationships and environment as well as the savoring of play, leisure, hobbies and, of course, rest and sleep.

Because Sojourn Noir believes in and understands the importance and power of rest for Black people as part of their everyday life and their travel and vacation, our work centers Black rest and the emotional safety of those resting spaces in York County, PA.

To learn more, go to: www.sojournnoir.com/relaxation

York County York, PA of York

21/03/2024

Sojourn Noir invites you to bring your thirst for knowledge and connection to our past to experience York County, PA.

In a time when so many are actively attempting to stifle critical thinking about historical truth, opportunities to learn from and engage with the real, true, evidence-based history of our nation are vital.

York County is abundant with rich African American history. From peacemakers, to trailblazers, to groundbreakers you can experience a wealth of history through several mediums including historic walking tours, a visit to Lebanon Cemetery and more…York City and the surrounding area are rich with historical narratives, relics, and artifacts. From Underground Railroad sites such as the Freedom Center, to Civil War battlegrounds, and Indigenous boarding “schools,” America has a story to tell.

Sojourn Noir will support Black travelers as they go back in time to seek past truths that will help inform a clear picture of what our country was as we move toward more just and equitable ways of being.

To learn more, go to: https://www.sojournnoir.com/history-heritage

Explore York County PA Downtown York, PA visitPA City of York York County History Center Carlisle Indian School Project Gettysburg National Military Park Goodridge Freedom Center Crispus Attucks York

19/03/2024

There is no denying that the arts produced from the struggle, survival, and success of African Americans – music, fashion, dance, literature, theater, etc. are a major purveyor of culture across the globe. Around the world, African American culture is imitated, appropriated, and commodified. The culture created ways of speaking, wearing their hair, styling their clothes, moving their bodies, lifting their voices in song and penning their protests that are denounced when performed by them but celebrated when assumed by non-Black cultures.

Historically, the exploitation of Black artists has taken many forms, from our performers having to enter nightclubs via the back door to entertain whites-only audiences, to the white washing of entire genres they created–folk, country, and rock n roll to name a few, to plagiarism, and a myriad other happenings of erasure and exploitation. Not to mention the segregated nosebleed seats Black patrons had to suffer in order to see artists from their own community.

Over the years York City has proudly cultivated its own cadre of makers and creators who contribute to our rich local culture. Sojourn Noir seeks to ensure that Black travelers are welcomed, respected and experience a sense of belonging as they engage in the enrichment arenas to which their culture so vastly shaped and contributed and that they are exposed to the myriad of Black artists who continue to define and redefine every medium.

To learn more, go to: https://www.sojournnoir.com/arts-culture

Explore York County PA Downtown York, PA visitPA City of York Ophelia's Making Agency Cultural Alliance of York County

17/03/2024

Let’s stay connected!

To sign up with your email address to receive news and updates from Sojourn Noir go to, sojournnoir.com and scroll to the bottom of the page.

We can’t wait to connect with you so we can continue to share how we are inspiring Black people to engage in the inalienable right to travel leisure in York County, PA!

Explore York County PA Downtown York, PA visitPA City of York WeCo York, PA Royal Square District Market District York

15/03/2024

Sojourn Noir inspires Black people to engage in the inalienable right to leisure travel. Central to that mission is a sense of belonging, one of our core values.

We amplify your voice. Sojourn Noir partners with local industries to help create spaces and experiences where Black/African American travelers feel respected, welcome, and experience a sense of belonging.

Explore York County PA Downtown York, PA visitPA City of York York County PA

12/03/2024

Sojourn Noir invites you to bring your love to shop local and experience York County, PA.

The not so distant painful past that Black people have with retail racism is still alive and unwell. According to a recent Gallup poll, Black shoppers are more likely to report mistreatment by merchants. Black people and their tourism dollars demand dignity. And that’s all 109.4 billion of those dollars spent in the US on average each year.

Sojourn Noir, not only wants to see an increase in thriving Black owned businesses, but also seeks to ensure that hard earned Black dollars are spent in businesses that welcome, respect and inspire a sense of belonging for Black people.

To learn more, go to: www.sojournnoir.com/unencumbered-retail

Explore York County PA Downtown York, PA visitPA City of York

10/03/2024

Sojourn Noir invites you to bring your culinary curiosity and your appetite to experience York County, PA.

York is home to a myriad of culinary delights. Our mission is to point Black travelers toward dining experiences that dazzle the palate and showcase a restaurant’s commitment to providing welcoming and respectful spaces to dine and indulge.

The not-so-distant, painful past that Black people have experienced in dining establishments is still alive. While the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act brought an end to segregation, the work of what it looks like to go from barring groups of people from society to welcoming them is still under construction. Dining while Black, also known as tableside racism, is real. We also believe that the pervasive nature of racial discrimination does not end simply because Black people are now permitted at the lunch counter. The actions and attitudes from this bygone era persist in many spaces.

Sojourn Noir connects Black travelers to local restaurants with a demonstrated commitment to eliminating race-based biases in service and delivering a top-notch dining experience to every guest.

To learn more, go to: www.sojournnoir.com/local-cuisine

Explore York County PA Downtown York, PA visitPA City of York

08/03/2024

Sojourn Noir inspires Black people to engage in the inalienable right to leisure travel. Central to that mission is respect, one of our core values.

Historically the pursuit of leisure has been denied to African Americans. At Sojourn Noir, we believe that in order to eradicate the vestiges of past efforts to thwart the rights of African Americans to pursue leisure, we must intentionally and consistently make efforts to build spaces that are respectful, welcoming and inspire a sense of belonging.

Explore York County PA Downtown York, PA visitPA City of York Ophelia Chambliss Ophelia's Making Agency

06/03/2024

Sojourn Noir invites you to bring your desire to explore and experience York County, PA.

Like sleep, the outside and all of its freedom, beauty, and wonder were historically purposely denied to Black people in this country. From swimming in public pools, wading on the beach, or hiking, biking, and walking in nature, these simple acts were made dangerous and many times illegal for Black entry. As a result, these spaces can hold a complicated history for Black people.

Sojourn Noir is committed to exposing Black travelers to emotionally safe, welcoming, and respectfully engaging activities for the adventure seeker. From the historic Rail Trail to neighborhood spaces like Penn Park, York County is rich with fun, beautiful outdoor and adventure opportunities. Nature and its bounty belong to all of us and undoing the feeling that Black people are unwelcome and unsafe in spaces that are rightfully theirs is work to which we are highly committed.

To learn more, go to: https://www.sojournnoir.com/outdoor-spaces

York County Trail Towns York County Economic Alliance Explore York County PA Downtown York, PA visitPA City of York

05/03/2024

Did you know that Sojourn Noir is not just on Facebook? You can also find us on Instagram and TikTok!

If you believe in our mission of inspiring Black people to engage in the inalienable right to leisure travel, be sure to follow us on these platforms as well. You can find us .

Bring yourself here.

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01/03/2024

Sojourn Noir inspires Black people to engage in the inalienable right to leisure travel. Central to that mission is honesty, one of our core values.

We seek to develop truthful content that highlights unique travel adventures and businesses that are respectful, welcoming and inspire a sense of belonging for Black travelers.

Explore York County PA Downtown York, PA visitPA City of York

28/02/2024

At Sojourn Noir, we believe that in order to eradicate the vestiges of past efforts to thwart the rights of African Americans to pursue leisure, we must intentionally and consistently make efforts to build spaces that are respectful, welcoming and inspire a sense of belonging.

Central to this important work is the committed people behind Sojourn Noir. Meet them!

Joanne Wilmore, Founder: As the owner of south-central PA’s first Black-owned, licensed bed and breakfast, Joanne aims to provide the optimal respite to every traveler, especially those who come from a history of being denied rest and leisure. This is the driving force and motivation behind Sojourn Noir.

Carolyn Butera, Program Management: Gifted with the ability to bring synergy to long term vision, short term goals, written plans, and the ex*****on of tasks, Carolyn brings a wealth of expertise and clarity to the strategic planning and program building for Sojourn Noir.

Elaine Bonneau, Marketing & Communications: Elaine works to amplify Black voices through community engagement and developing content that highlights unique York, PA travel experiences, destinations and area businesses.

Ashley Hill, Diversity & Cultural Intelligence: Ashley is highly accomplished in human development, supporting businesses and organizations with their desire to increase cultural literacy. Ashley’s work is central to Sojourn’s mission to spaces and experiences where Black/African American travelers feel respected, welcome, and experience a sense of belonging.

To learn more about the people behind Sojourn Noir, visit us at www.sojournnoir.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Explore York County PA Downtown York, PA visitPA City of York