ABOUT THE BOOKED TRIPS TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP
Inspired by the life and work of the iconic Maya Angelou, the BOOKED Trips Maya Angelou Travel scholarship honors women of color who embody her spirit of exploration, creativity, and social justice. Like Angelou, who traveled the world, drawing inspiration from various cultures to fuel her art and activism, we seek to empower women to embark on transformative journeys of discovery.
We received an outstanding 180 applications from 15 countries and 27 US states and the District of Columbia. Thanks to the generosity of our first donor Melissa Jones we were able to award TWO $5,000 scholarships toward a BOOKED Trips experience in Ghana, Morocco, or Colombia. You can learn more about those awardees here. Now thanks to our community’s generosity we were able to crowdfund over $1,750 to provide an additional partial travel scholarship.
Just as Angelou drew inspiration from her travels to fuel her writing and artistry, we believe that BOOKED Trips’ book-inspired journeys can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery. By exploring destinations through the lens of literature, recipients of this scholarship can deepen their understanding of the world, connect with diverse cultures, and ignite their creativity.
MEET OUR NEWEST SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
I’m Brittany Moná (Moh-Nay), a self-taught multidisciplinary artist based in Maryland. My work spans across
different mediums—clay, acrylics, photography, digital art, and wood—blending neo-expressionism, graffiti,
and African art through abstract portraits and imagery. I celebrate the Black diaspora, using my art to uplift, explore, and express complex emotions of Blackness and its many intersections. My practice is deeply rooted in communal and transformative experiences, drawing inspiration from ancestral practices and community.
Maya Angelou’s legacy is one of resilience, storytelling, and advocacy. She used her words to uplift,
challenge, and inspire—and in my own way, I strive to do the same through my art. Just as Angelou used storytelling to affirm identity and history, I use my work to preserve, honor, and expand our narratives. Art is my form of resistance, my way of healing, and a bridge that connects past, present, and future.
Social justice is at the heart of everything I create. Angelou was fearless in confronting oppression, and I’m
inspired through her and many others such as Bell Hooks, Toni Morrison, and Alice Walker within my
practice. Through my work, I challenge systems that TRY to erase us, our impact, and our contributions. Making
space for Black voices and embracing both the beauty and complexity of our experiences. Like Angelou, I
see myself as a lifelong learner and explorer. I’m drawn to different cultures, histories, and perspectives,
knowing that we all are interconnected.
Maya Angelou’s journey—from Ghana to the Civil Rights Movement—reminds me of the power of global
connection and the ways art and activism can bridge those gaps. Ultimately, I hope to honor ancestors’ legacies like Maya Angelou by creating art that sparks activism, fosters understanding, and empowers change. Whether through painting, sculpture, or digital expression, I strive to uplift and celebrate Black identity.
What appeals to me most about BOOKED Trips is the way it creates a safe and affirming space for Black
women, offering both adventure and connection in a world where travel isn’t always welcoming. Historically,
Black travelers have had to navigate spaces with caution, often relying on The Negro Motorist Green Book to
find safe places during segregation. In many ways, BOOKED Trips carries on that legacy—not just by
ensuring safety but by fostering belonging, cultural understanding, and shared experiences.
For me, travel is an extension of my art. It offers new perspectives, lived experiences, and inspiration that
shapes the way I create. BOOKED Trips isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about stepping into the
stories behind them. Just as I use mixed media to layer meaning in my work, BOOKED Trips weaves together
literature, place, and community to create something deeply transformative.
The trip to Accra, Ghana interests me the most because of Ghana’s deep artistic and cultural influence, both
locally and throughout the African diaspora. As an artist, I’m drawn to Ghanaian art, from traditional Adinkra
symbols to contemporary works, has shaped Black artistic expression. The country’s creative legacy is not
just visual but deeply woven into storytelling, music, and communal traditions that continue to inspire
generations. Beyond art, Ghana represents a powerful connection to history and heritage. The communal spirit that thrives mirrors the shared experiences of Black communities globally. Walking through Accra, exploring its
galleries, and engaging with local artists would be an opportunity to not only learn but to feel the heartbeat
of a place that has influenced so much of what I create. I see it as a opportunity to deepen my
understanding of my own artistic roots while honoring the larger narrative of the Black diaspora.
There’s still time to support!
There’s still time to support Brittany by offsetting more of her trip costs by donating to our Give Butter campaign. The campaign closes June 30th!
