For many Black travelers, the act of exploring the world is a profound expression of freedom, and joy. Yet, this liberation often comes with an unspoken awareness—a mental checklist of safety considerations that differ from those of their peers. The ability to navigate a foreign city safely depends not only on the destination’s laws but similarly on how a traveler is perceived by locals and authorities. When that perception is clouded by bias, the risk of isolation increases, making preparedness a necessity rather than a choice.
This precarious reality has been brought into sharp focus by the tragic and mysterious death of influencer Ashlee Jenae. A 31-year-old lifestyle content creator originally from Recent Jersey and living in Portland, Oregon, Jenae died earlier this month during a birthday trip to Zanzibar, Tanzania according to reports from Glamour. Her death has sparked a wider conversation about the vulnerabilities Black women face when traveling abroad, particularly when they are far from their own systems of protection, advocacy, and understanding.
Establishing robust emergency protocols for Black travelers abroad is about more than just avoiding danger; It’s about creating a safety net that persists even when local systems fail. Whether dealing with a medical crisis, a legal encounter, or a disappearance, having a predefined response plan can be the difference between a manageable emergency and a catastrophe. In the wake of the Ashlee Jenae tragedy, it is imperative that the global Black travel community equips itself with actionable, life-saving knowledge.
The case of Ashlee Jenae serves as a painful reminder that visibility on social media does not equate to safety in the physical world. Jenae was staying at a luxury villa in Zanzibar with her fiancé, crypto trader Joe McCann, the founder of Asymmetric Financial as detailed by Glamour. Despite the luxury of her surroundings, the circumstances of her death remain under investigation. Her mother, Yolanda Endres, reported that Jenae had called her on April 8 to say she had argued with McCann and they had moved to separate rooms; Jenae was found unconscious the following day and pronounced dead at a local hospital per Glamour. Whereas McCann suggested she had harmed herself, her family and friends have rejected the claim of suicide, highlighting the critical need for independent advocacy and clear communication channels during international crises.
Managing Medical Emergencies in Foreign Territories
Medical crises are often unpredictable, but the response to them should not be. When an injury or illness occurs, the first priority is accessing immediate care, but the quality and accessibility of that care can vary wildly by region. In any medical emergency, the first step is to contact the local equivalent of the 9-1-1 emergency line. Because these numbers differ by country, travelers should have the local emergency digits saved in their phones and memorized before arrival.
Beyond the initial call, several strategic steps can ensure a better outcome:
- Notify Emergency Contacts Immediately: This represents critical for solo travelers. Utilizing location-sharing applications, such as Life360, allows a trusted circle of friends or family to monitor a traveler’s location in real-time. Some of these tools can be configured to alert contacts if the user remains unresponsive for a specified period.
- Prioritize Comprehensive Travel Insurance: International medical care can be prohibitively expensive and inconsistent. Travel insurance ensures that emergency care is covered and can often provide assistance in finding hospitals known for treating international patients and adhering to global medical standards.
- Engage Consular Services: If a traveler is unable to navigate the local healthcare system or feels they are not receiving adequate care, they should immediately contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Consular officers can provide lists of local medical providers and offer guidance on navigating the local health bureaucracy.
Navigating Law Enforcement and Legal Detentions
Black travelers frequently navigate a world where racial and political tensions can lead to unwarranted questioning or detention. The reality is that the respect afforded to travelers is not always universal. When an encounter with law enforcement occurs, remaining calm is essential, but so is the immediate assertion of one’s rights.
If detained or accosted, travelers should follow these protocols to protect their legal standing and physical safety:
Simultaneous Notification: The moment a traveler is detained, they should attempt to contact both the U.S. Embassy and a trusted loved one. This creates an immediate record of the detention with both official and personal witnesses.
Rigorous Documentation: Whenever possible, travelers should document the encounter. This includes writing down the names, badge numbers, and physical descriptions of the officers involved, as well as the exact location and time of the incident. This documentation is vital if the case later requires legal intervention or a formal complaint to the State Department.
Protecting Agency and Documentation: Travelers should never sign legal documents they do not fully understand or that have not been reviewed by legal counsel. Passports should not be handed over to any official without first obtaining that official’s identity, job title, and badge number. Maintaining agency in these moments is a key component of safety.
Protocols for Loss of Contact or Disappearance
In scenarios where a traveler becomes lost or loses contact with their party, time is the most critical factor. Modern technology has provided new safeguards that can be leveraged even in areas with poor connectivity. For instance, newer devices like the Google Pixel 11 are equipped with GPS systems designed to function without cellular service or Wi-Fi, allowing users to access maps or emergency services in remote areas.
If a friend or travel companion goes missing, the following steps should be taken immediately:
- Raise Immediate Awareness: Do not wait several hours to report a missing person. Alert hotel management and check with local businesses to determine the last known sighting of the missing individual.
- Prioritize Directional Recovery: If lost, use a phone’s compass or offline GPS to move toward a known business or a populated area where cellular service may be available.
- Leverage Social Networks: Social media can be a powerful tool for mobilization. Reaching out to local Black expat channels or using geotags to trace last known locations can provide leads that local authorities might overlook.
Proactive Preparation and Preventative Tools
The most effective crisis response begins long before the plane takes off. Preparedness is not paranoia; it is a strategic layer of protection. For Black travelers, this means building a support system that extends from their home country to their destination.
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): One of the most vital tools available to U.S. Citizens is the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). By registering with STEP, travelers allow the nearest U.S. Embassy to contact them in the event of political unrest, natural disasters, or personal crises. This creates a formal link between the traveler and their government, ensuring they are not “invisible” in a foreign land.
Itinerary Transparency: A full itinerary—including flight numbers, hotel or Airbnb addresses, and planned excursions—should be shared with at least two trusted people back home. This ensures that if contact is lost, search efforts can begin with precise locations rather than guesswork.
Identifying Community Support: Before arriving, travelers should research Black-friendly networks and expat groups in the destination city. These communities often possess “on-the-ground” knowledge about which areas to avoid, which businesses are welcoming, and who to contact in a local emergency.
Researching Local Realities: Understanding local laws, customs, and current political tensions is essential. Travelers should be aware of common scams targeting foreigners and any specific local laws that may be strictly enforced or used disproportionately against minority travelers.
Quick Reference: Emergency Action Checklist
| Scenario | Primary Action | Secondary Action |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Crisis | Call local emergency line | Contact U.S. Embassy & Family |
| Legal Detention | Request Embassy contact | Document badge numbers/names |
| Missing Person | Notify hotel/local business | Alert local expat networks |
| General Crisis | Check STEP registration status | Follow Embassy safety alerts |
The tragedy of Ashlee Jenae underscores a sobering truth: luxury and visibility do not guarantee safety. When the systems of a foreign country are the only ones available, the risk for Black travelers—particularly women—is amplified. By implementing these emergency protocols, travelers can move through the world with the confidence that they are protected not just by their own intuition, but by a structured system of advocacy and support.
The investigation into the death of Ashlee Jenae continues, with her family seeking further clarity on the circumstances surrounding her passing in Zanzibar. Updates regarding official rulings or institutional actions are expected as the investigation progresses.
Do you have a safety protocol you use when traveling abroad? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below to help other travelers stay safe.
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