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meet Tee
Tee George posts about outdoor adventures near her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, and throughout the Southeast. Over 85k nature lovers follow her on Instagram and on her inspirational, inclusive blog ‘A Sip of Tee.’ Whether she’s camping in the Smoky Mountains, trekking the Dolomites of Italy, or hosting group hikes throughout the Southeast, Tee is passionate about encouraging people of color to get outside.
Now, she’s partnering with Delta Air Lines for Faces of Travel, an initiative to increase representation and visibility within travel culture for people of diverse races, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, religious beliefs, and physical abilties. In her own words, Tee shares what representation in the outdoors means to her.
Follow along
I started hiking a little over two years ago. My first visit to the Smoky Mountains really got me hooked on the outdoors. Now I try to go a few times a year. It’s so beautiful — nowhere else in the Southeast compares!
People in the Black community don’t always feel welcome in the outdoors. I always think of that expression, “If I don’t see me, then it’s not for me.” Everyone deserves the opportunity to see the world, but for many, it doesn't seem possible because they don’t see someone who looks like them in the media or out on the trail.
Authentic representation makes things relatable, and allows others to put themselves in someone else’s shoes. I show up on social media so people can see there is so much joy to be had in exploring the outdoors, and that everyone is welcome.
“When people of color are represented, it allows you to see what’s possible.”
Reclaiming space in the outdoors
Earlier this year I went to Italy and had the time of my life hiking through the Dolomites. I got to see some of the most iconic mountains in the world. I felt like a tiny ant everywhere I went, and just so thankful to be alive.
Travel has made me more humble, and grateful that I can experience different cultures. But I’ve also been to countries where I saw very few people of color. That makes me uncomfortable sometimes. I don’t know how the locals are going to react, or what stereotypes they may have.
The more diverse people travel, the more accessible and normalized it becomes. It’s why I want to encourage people to step out of their comfort zone and see the world.
Representation is about showing people of color that there's space for us. We not only belong, but we deserve to take up space in the outdoors, and can thrive in it.
Follow Tee on her next hike on Instagram @_asipoftee_ and on her blog, ‘A Sip of Tee.’
MARY ONYANGO,
Fitness instructor
PRESENTED BY
Mary is a top trainer in NYC, plus a mom and entrepreneur. For her, travel is an essential break from a busy schedule and a chance to reconnect with family. “Those are the moments that bring so much vitality to life.”
RAVI KAPUR,
Chef
PRESENTED BY
Chef Ravi Kapur draws on his mixed Indian, Hawaiian and Chinese heritage at his two San Francisco restaurants. He believes representation in travel helps break down barriers and connect cultures.
JAZMIN HARB,
Travel blogger
PRESENTED BY
Jazmin writes about sustainable travel and hidden gems around the world. Originally from Ecuador, she loves to connect with people from diverse backgrounds while traveling. “It makes you more accepting of others.”
TEE GEORGE,
Outdoor content creator
PRESENTED BY
More than 85k nature lovers follow Atlanta-based Tee George on her inclusive outdoor adventures. Whether camping, hiking or traveling abroad, she aims to help people of color discover their love for the outdoors.
JULES NGUYEN,
Photographer and blogger
PRESENTED BY
A global traveler, blogger and photographer, Jules is dedicated to sharing honest, authentic stories in the BIPOC community. “It makes the world of travel more tangible for people who grew up thinking it was out of reach.”
