By La Shawna Griffith
When Judi Smith stepped off the plane at Grantley Adams International Airport, the warm kiss of Barbadian sunshine and a promise of rhythm and community greeted her. A first-time visitor from Atlanta, Georgia, Judi arrived not only with her suitcase and sunhat but also with a heart full of anticipation and a mission: to experience We Gatherin’ in the spirited parish of St. John.
Judi is not your average traveller. She is the driving force behind Judi’s Travel Adventure, a company she founded to share her love of discovery with others. Her journey to Barbados was inspired by none other than Luisa, the dynamic leader of the ATL Steppers. When Luisa decided to make Barbados the destination for a teaching and cultural exchange, Judi was all in.
“She wanted to be here to teach, and we wanted to follow her,” Judi shared with a smile. “I am the travel agent, so I had to make the trip happen.”
Despite the long flight, Judi was buzzing with energy and gratitude. “This is my first time in Barbados,” she said. “And it definitely won’t be my last.”
Her love for the island began even before she landed. “I’ve been watching YouTube videos about Barbados for weeks now,” she said, laughing. “The food, the music, Oistins Fish Fry everyone that I spoke to said it is the place to be on Friday nights. I heard you can dance all night long.”
As an African-American woman, Judi also felt a deep connection to the people and culture of Barbados. “It’s important to be in a place where people look like me, where I feel that sense of belonging. That matters.”
Judi and the ATL Steppers came to St. John not just to share their art of stepping but also to embrace Bajan traditions like line dancing. “In Atlanta, our line dancing has eight steps. But I heard in Barbados, it’s just three. I think we’ll catch on quickly,” she joked.
She is especially excited about the month-long celebrations in St. John, which she enjoyed in her brief stint in Barbados, she attended Story Quest which was held at St. John Parish Church.
“I am an adventurer,” Judi said. “I’ll be all over the island. I came to see, taste, dance, and feel everything.”
