In a troubling era when there are forces at work determined to erase and eliminate our Black History, it is incumbent upon us as African-Americans to come together and push back.  This environment makes the Black Meetings & Tourism Apex Awards even more important than ever, as we acknowledge the contributions and accomplishments of our brothers, sisters and colleagues in the Travel/Tourism/Hospitality Industry.   It is also equally important for us to show our support for industry icon Elliott Ferguson, president/CEO of Destination DC, who along with four others was fired from the board of directors of Brand USA.

BM&T’s Apex awardees this year include two of our newest DMO heads, Leslie Wright of Minneapolis Northwest Tourism, and Mercedes Miller of the Atlanta Airport District CVB.   Both are to be commended for rising to their leadership positions in an arena that is not always so welcoming to people of color.   Also on the list is industry veteran Al Hutchinson, who is retiring in June as the president/CEO of Visit Baltimore.   His work has made us all so proud and inspired many in our community who would endeavor to follow in his footsteps.

Other awards are going to Sonya Bradley of Visit Sacramento, Bill Adams of Destination DC, Antony Shelborne of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, Trudy Singh of New York City Tourism, Cheryl Richards of Visit Dallas, and Terry Brinkoetter, recently retired Disney executive,

As encouraged as we are to be able to honor this year’s Apex Award recipients, we are shocked to learn about Elliott Ferguson’s abrupt departure from his position at Brand USA as board chairman.  He was dismissed without cause having never been interviewed or questioned regarding his termination.   It is just one more example of the political attack on the African-American community aimed at undermining our leaders and limiting their positive impact.

With a long stellar track record of leadership and accomplishments in the travel industry, Elliott acquired this position at Brand USA for no other reason than he was thoroughly vetted and imminently qualified.

While we continue to see too many incidents where elected officials target individuals, programs and institutions that represent almost every segment of  the U.S. population; African-Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanic Americans, members of the LGBQT community, women, seniors, persons with disabilities, veterans, students, federal workers and employees in other various sectors, the effects of these actions and beliefs impact every person in this country.

As one of the nation's top revenue generating and employment opportunity industries, Travel/Tourism has long exemplified the value of broadening its outreach practices, policies, and markets to be inclusive and to be diverse. Not only is DEI morally right, it has clearly proven to be economically smart, sound and rewarding.  This industry's expansion and economic growth strongly parallel its establishment of a commitment for inclusiveness at all levels.

There may now be a correlation between the marked decrease in the numbers of international visitors to the United States and the rescinding of these tried and tested initiatives. This affects the 15 million U.S. citizens who are employed in this industry, from the chairman of the board at our top national airline carriers to the small business owner who runs the shoeshine parlor in our local airports.

In the Caribbean, they have a saying that "a high tide lifts all boats."  Unlike our seemingly indifferent government leaders who feel they have no stake in this game,

those of us in this industry are compelled to ensure that it continues to be a driving economic force and to provide opportunities for all Americans. 

In closing we want to sound the alarm that there is no better time for all of us and our allies to join forces and stand against this assault on our community.  We know we can depend on you to do the right thing and to safeguard the extraordinary progress for which we have all worked so hard to achieve.