Season One
Meet Ebony
A cinematic journey through the African diaspora, told with intimate authenticity and powerful storytelling.
Created by Ebony Walden
Series Overview
Black Beyond Borders is a documentary-style travel series exploring culture, connection, creativity and cuisine across the African diaspora. Season One takes us to Dakar, Senegal—a city where history meets vibrant present, and every moment pulses with rhythm, color, and soul.
Created and hosted by Ebony Walden, a seasoned traveler who's visited 49 countries, this series is more than just sightseeing. It's a love letter to the diaspora—a celebration of Black life, identity, and creativity across borders.
Over four 10–15 minute episodes, we follow Ebony as she reflects on identity, eats her way through Senegalese cuisine, celebrates her birthday at The Biennale—Dakar's Contemporary African Art Festival—and reconnects with friends from the U.S. in a city full of passion.
JOIN EBONY ON A VOYAGE OF:
Historical Journey
The legacy of the transatlantic slave trade through visits to Goree Island and the Door of No Return.
Culinary Exploration
Dakar's vibrant food scene — from local markets, to home cooked meals with new friends to high-end restaurants
Cultural Pulse
Art, fashion and music that pulse with the rhythm of Senegal through local events, festivals and everyday life in Dakar.
Connection and Community
Building relationships with Senegalese locals, Black expats, artists, curators and entreprenuers.
Black Beyond Borders is part travel diary, part cultural study, and part love letter to the African diaspora.
Season One Snapshot
1
Episode Count
4 episodes (10–15 minutes each)
Intimate, digestible storytelling that respects viewers' time while delivering profound impact
2
Filming Locations
Dakar, Saint-Louis, Cape Verde
Strategic locations chosen for their historical significance and contemporary relevance
3
Core Themes
History, identity, food, culture, art, and connection
Multifaceted exploration of Black life and culture in Senegal
4
Narrative Tone
Honest, soulful, vibrant, reflective
Authentic storytelling that honors both struggle and celebration
Watch on YouTube

YouTube

Black Beyond Borders: Season One: Dakar, Senegal

Black Beyond Borders is a soulful travel docuseries created by Ebony Walden that explores the richness of the African diaspora through culture, connection, a...

Episode Guide
Episode 1: The Journey Begins
Ebony explores the foundation of her travels and motivation for a six week trip to Senegal, then lands in Dakar, unpacks, and takes a road trip to the coastal city of Saint-Louis.
Episode 2: Birthday and Biennale
From celebrating her 44th birthday to the bold beauty of The Biennale, Senegal's Contemporary African Art Festival, this episode celebrates the joy and artistry of Black expression.
Episode 3: Work, Play (& Cape Verde)
Remote work, happy hours, food with new friends and a quick side trip to Cape Verde—Ebony balances business and pleasure in this delicious and reflective episode.
Episode 4: Cultural Convergence
Ebony shares Dakar with friends visiting from Virginia and explores the power of cultural exchange through the Afrikana Independent Film Festival before she says goodbye to her new community in Dakar.
Creator Bio
Ebony Walden
Creator, Host & Executive Producer
Ebony Walden is a writer, consultant, and world traveler who has been to 49 countries and all 50 U.S. states. She uses storytelling to explore themes of travel, transformation, and liberation.
Ebony is passionate about helping Black people reconnect with their roots, reclaim their stories, and live boldly beyond borders. Her approach combines journalistic integrity with deeply personal narrative, creating content that resonates across cultural boundaries while honoring authentic Black experiences.
For more about Ebony visit www.ebonywalden.com
49
Countries Visited
Global perspective through extensive travel
50
U.S. States
Complete domestic exploration
1
Powerful Vision
Connecting diaspora through storytelling
"With just a vlogging camera, Iphone and a vision, I set out to capture the beauty, complexity, and joy of Black life across the globe. Black Beyond Borders is my love letter to the diaspora — a way to inspire others to connect, travel, and tell their own stories."
– Ebony Walden, Creator & Host
Why Black Beyond Borders?
In late 2022, Ebony stood at the Door of No Return on Gorée Island in Dakar, Senegal—a site central to the transatlantic slave trade. With ancestral roots stretching across seven West African countries, she felt the weight of history and the triumph of survival. The proverb echoed in my mind: 'They tried to bury us, but didn't know we were seeds.' That moment planted a vision. Ebony decided she wanted to highlight the fruit of the African diaspora inside of a new narrative, not one of deficit and lack, but exploring and celebrating the beauty, dynamism and creativity of global Blackness.
The Vision
Black Beyond Borders seeks to:
  • Celebrate the beauty, creativity and diversity of African and Afro-descendant heritage.
  • Shift narratives about Blackness beyond stereotypes, showing vibrancy, innovation, and joy.
  • Connect audiences to the cultural ties linking Africa with the Americas.
  • Inspire travel, cultural exchange, and deeper appreciation of the global Black experience.
Fans of shows like High on the Hog will love this series—but instead of polished food shots and big budgets, you’ll get something raw, intimate, and personal. It’s travel, culture, and connection told the way Ebony lived it.
The Series
Each season will spotlight one country in Africa or the diaspora, dedicating 3–4 short episodes to exploring its history, art, food, and culture. Through a mix of first person camera footage, TikTok-style vignettes, photos, and storytelling, Ebony aims to highlight the vibrancy and diversity of Black life—as a traveler, a daughter of the diaspora, making connections along the way. Ebony goes beyond tourist attractions and off the beaten path.
Why It Matters?
Diaspora Connection
Celebrates and connects the African diaspora across continents, fostering understanding and unity through shared cultural experiences and historical narratives.
Cultural Dialogue
Sparks meaningful dialogue about culture, history, and belonging, creating space for important conversations about identity and heritage in contemporary contexts.
Travel Inspiration
Inspires travel and cross-cultural exploration, encouraging viewers to seek authentic experiences beyond traditional tourist narratives and connect with local communities.
Authentic Perspective
Offers authentic, non-touristy views of Black places, presenting nuanced portrayals that celebrate complexity while honoring cultural depth and contemporary realities.
"This isn't just entertainment — it's cultural engagement, diaspora connection, and inspiration for future generations to explore their heritage with pride and curiosity."
Series Premiere
1
October 14, 2025
Pre- Screening
Location: Common House
This was an exclusive first look for industry professionals, press, and cultural leaders. This intimate gathering will showcase the series in a setting that mirrors its authentic, community-focused approach.
2
November 5, 2025
Public Launch
Location: CNTR ( 318 W Broad Street)
A celebration that connected personal milestone (Ebony's 45th Birthday) with cultural impact. The arts venue setting reinforced the series' commitment to preserving and sharing Black creativity and culture. With diasporic food, photography, music and fashion present, this SOLD OUT event celebrated the series with style and flare.
The series launched on Youtube on November 5th as well.
Press & Praise
Explore the recognition and media coverage that Black Beyond Borders has garnered, highlighting its impact and unique storytelling. Click HERE for audience reflections.
Festival Recognition
Black Beyond Borders – Season One: Dakar, Senegal is an Won Best Web Series-Pilot at the LA Independent Women Film Awards in December of 2025, an IMDb-qualifying festival that celebrates independent women filmmakers.
Black Beyond Borders is an official selection of the Virginia Black Film Festival and has several planned festival screenings in 2026.
Press Coverage
Black Beyond Borders has been featured in regional media for its intimate, place-based storytelling and exploration of culture, creativity, and connection across the African diaspora.
Style Weekly
"Richmond-based filmmaker Ebony Walden explores the African diaspora through travel, art & personal storytelling in her docuseries Black Beyond Borders."
Richmond Free Press
"Black Beyond Borders documents everyday Black life across borders, centering history, cultural exchange, and lived experience."
Call to Action
Join the Journey
Experience the full series on YouTube and immerse yourself in Dakar's rich cultural landscape
Seasons two and three are already filmed. Fundraising has begun for post-production. Individual donations, sponsorship opportunities, grants and partnerships are welcome.
Bring your community together for meaningful dialogue about diaspora, culture, and connection
Book speaking engagements for festivals, universities, cultural organizations, and community events
Sign up for updates on Black Beyond Borders - new episodes, screenings, and ways to support the series. No, spame, just meaningful updates as the journey continues.
"Every journey begins with a single step. Let Black Beyond Borders be the inspiration for your own exploration of culture, heritage, and connection across the global African diaspora."
The conversation doesn't end with the credits. It begins there.
Support Seasons Two & Three
Black Beyond Borders invites you to support visual storytelling rooted in Black life across the globe.
Season Two transports us to the heart of South America—Colombia & Ecuador—where we'll explore the profound joy, boundless creativity, and unyielding resilience that define Black identity in these rich cultural landscapes.
Season Three calls us home to Ghana, offering a transformative exploration of what it means to return to the continent TOGETHER, to embrace our ancestral roots, and to be forever reshaped by the powerful currents of homecoming and reconnection. This will be a documentary feature focused on the Charlottesville, Virginia-Winneba, Ghana sister city relationship and annual trip.
These are not just stories; they are celebrations of cultural pride, identity, and the limitless possibilities of the global African diaspora. Your support ensures these essential narratives are brought to light, affirming Black existence in all its dynamic glory.

Minimum Funding Goal: $30,000
Stretch Goal: $40,000
Hitting our minimum goal allows for completion of post production and release of the next seasons.
Your SUPPORT directly contributes to:
  • Professional editing and post-production
  • Sound design and color correction
  • Additional interviews and filming
  • Music and l licensing
  • Screenings, festivals, and distribution
Why it matters?
Black Beyond Borders is community-funded and independently produced. Every contribution helps keep this work grounded and independent.
Ways to Give
Online Donations - You can contribute securely via:
*Please note: these platforms charge standard processing fees of ~3%
Fee-Free Community Support
If you’d like 100% of your contribution to go directly to the project use:
  • Cash App: $waldene
  • Zelle: 434-962-9446
*This project is independently produced. Contributions are not tax-deductible.
What You're INVESTING IN…
SEASON TWO: COLOMBIA
Season Two follows Ebony's journey through Colombia, with a focus on Cartagena, MedellĂ­n, and Cali, and a side trip to Quito. This season is intimate and reflective, grounded in lived experience and personal observation.
Season Two explores:
  • First-time encounters with Colombia
  • Black history and everyday life in Cartagena
  • The Festival of the Diaspora in MedellĂ­n
  • Transformation, creativity, and resilience in MedellĂ­n
  • Black women, community, liberation, entrepreneurship and support
  • Salsa, movement, and embodied joy in Cali
  • Food as culture, memory, and belonging
  • A diasporic lens expanded through Quito, Ecuador
Season Two centers lived Black experiences—capturing movement, food, joy and everyday beauty.
SEASON THREE: GHANA
Season Three is a feature-length documentary following a two-week Sister City delegation from Charlottesville, Virginia to Winneba, Ghana and exploring the fifteen year relationship.
Season Three includes:
  • The Charlottesville–Winneba Sister City exchange
  • Community engagement and cultural connection in Winneba
  • The Aboryker Festival and local cultural celebrations
  • Visits to Cape Coast and reflections on the transatlantic slave trade
  • Reflections and daily life in Accra
  • Collective reflection on diaspora, memory, grief, joy, and return
Season Three expands the series into a communal, historical, and deeply reflective documentary experience centered on cross-cultural exchange.
Partnership Levels
FRIEND OF THE JOURNEY $25–$249
"Join the Journey"
  • Name listed on supporter page
  • Project updates
CULTURAL CONNECTOR $250–$999
"Help Carry the Work"
  • Digital pre-screening Season 2
  • Name listed in supporter credits
  • Project Updates
STORY BUILDER $1,000 - $2,499
"Make ONE EPISODE Possible"
  • On-screen credit (Season 2)
  • Invitation to pre-premiere screening
  • Black Beyond Borders T-shirt (1)
  • Project Updates
AMPLIFIER $2,500-$5,000
"Bring the Work to Wider Audiences"
*Organizational level sponsorships are welcome.
  • Associate Producer credit (Season 2)
  • Name/logo on website
  • In-person pre-screening event (Season 2)
  • Black Beyond Borders T-shirts (2)
  • Project Updates
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER $5,001-$10,000
"Foundational Support for the Series"
*Organizational level sponsorships are welcome.
  • Executive Producer credit (Season 2-3)
  • Recognition as founding supporter
  • Pre-release sneak peek of Seasons 2-3
  • Prominent acknowledgment across marketing materials
  • Black Beyond Borders T-shirts (2)
  • Black Beyond Borders mugS (2)
  • Project Updates

Custom Partnership/Sponsorship
Interested in a larger contribution or unique collaboration opportunities?
Contact us to discuss tailored partnership packages that align with your vision and our mission.
Every contribution—large or small—helps bring these stories to life. This campaign is about investing in Black stories, Black movement, and Black life across borders.
Contact
Website
For more information on the series details, vision, episodes and screenings.
Email Inquiries
Direct contact for press interviews, screening requests and partnerships.
Social Media
@ebony.aroundtheworld
For behind-the-scenes content and cultural conversations.
Get Updates
Join the Black Beyond Borders newsletter to get periodic updates on future seasons, screenings and series progress.
Sign up HERE

Media Assets: High-resolution images, video clips, and interview material.
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