Jason Dunn
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and the National Black Marathoners Association hosted their annual events in Cincinnati in April, according to Visit Cincy, the region’s convention and visitors bureau. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. hosted their annual 2022 Great Lakes Regional Leadership Conference at the Duke Energy Convention Center from April 28-30. One of the largest predominately Black sororities, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded on the campus of Howard University on January 16, 1920 and has more than 800 Chapters located in the United States, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. The sorority's international programs such as Z-HOPE (Zetas Helping Other People Excel) through Mind, Body and Spirit serve to empower people from all walks of life. The sorority espouses the highest academic ideals and that has resulted in its members serving in groundbreaking roles in all fields of endeavor. The regional conference was also attended by International Officers of the Divine 9 Black Greek organizations. The theme of this year's conference was “Teamwork is Key.” The (sisters) Honorable Myrtle Tyler-Faithful and The Honorable Viola Tyler-Goings, two of the organization's founders were born in Ohio. Cincinnati is also hosting the 2024 International Boule conference of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., which will bring over 3,000 attendees and 6,500 total room nights representing $5.3 million dollars in economic impact to the region. Members of the National Black Marathoners Association traveled to Cincinnati over Flying Pig Marathon weekend for the 2022 NBMA National Black Distance Running Hall of Fame and Achievement Awards Program, which was held at the National Underground Railroad Museum's Harriet Tubman Auditorium on April 30. The event premiered the documentary “Breaking Three Hours: Trailblazing African American Women Marathoners.” The National Black Marathoners Association is the largest and oldest, national, not-for-profit organization that supports Black American distance runners. The organization has awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships to college-bound, high school seniors. Association Jason Dunn “Throughout history, these two organizations have persevered and advanced the uplift of the Black Community. We are excited for the opportunity to listen to their stories of triumph and mirror their examples of courage and service,” said Jason Dunn, Sr., Group Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Visit Cincy. “We believe that tourism empowers communities and this week, we will certainly be ready to help amplify that message.” |