We have always attempted to be non-partisan in our editorial approach at Black Meetings & Tourism.  

With the current administration's efforts to erase the rich history of African-Americans and eliminate DEI programs across all industries, the complaint we hear most often is about the silence of those who could make a difference and who are enabling this person to do so much damage to our nation.  So as African-Americans we feel compelled and obligated to tell our own stories and set the record straight.

Rather than beat up on those who are doing wrong, we at BM&T have always chosen to showcase those who are doing the right thing and hopefully encourage others to do the same.  So instead of reporting on those who are succumbing to the pressure to return to an earlier time when it was not necessary to hide discrimination and bigotry, we are shining the spotlight on those in our industry who are showing the courage and intelligence to make decisions based on sound logical reasoning.

First and foremost, we want to commend those DMOs that have recently shown their commitment to diversity by hiring African-American presidents.  They made their selections based on qualifications, experience and capabilities, not some irrelevant criteria like race.   Also to be commended are executive search firms like Searchwide Global, who organize efforts to fill these executive openings.   And all of the above did not make their choices based on skin color. Just as importantly, they did not exclude anyone from consideration because of skin color either.

The three DMOs are: the Greater Birmingham CVB (which hired Dan Williams as president/CEO);   the Atlanta Airport District CVB (which hired Mercedes Miller as president); and the Minneapolis Northwest Tourism Board (which hired Leslie Wright as president/CEO).

Also to be acknowledged are those destinations that feel the African-American market is worth investing in by reaching out to this more than  $145 billon segment through Black-owned media, instead of just taking them for granted.   Included here are Tampa, Dallas, Miami, Charlotte, Washington, DC, Baltimore, Dayton, San Antonio, Anaheim, Columbus, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Myrtle Beach, New Orleans, Savannah, Jackson, Atlantic City, Hampton, The Palm Beaches, Coastal Mississippi and Greensboro, among others,   Be sure to always consider these destinations first when planning your next conference, or organizing your client's next family reunion or vacation getaway.

I also want to take this opportunity recognize the only two lodging companies that at this point in time deem the African-American market segment worthy of their advertising dollars by marketing in Black Meeting & Tourism.   The two organizations I reference are Caesars Entertainment and MGM.   Be sure to place them at the top of your list as you consider accommodations for your next event.

In closing, let me emphasize that the time has come to direct your meeting and leisure travel business to those destinations, hotels and other travel industry organizations that value your dollars, employ people that look like us, and show our valuable market segment respect.