Tourism Diversity Matters Launches to Inspire and Create Change for Tourism and Events Industry

Leave a comment

Elliott Ferguson, Chairman of the Board for Tourism Diversity Matters (TDM) and President and CEO, Destination DC, and Mike Gamble, TDM’s Founder and President and CEO of SearchWide Global announced the collective impact model to inspire authenticity and inclusive leadership throughout the tourism and events industry. TDM’s mission is to be a resource to foster diversity, equity and inclusion practices that will educate, advocate, engage and empower in collaboration and cooperation with all industry initiatives. Founding partners include ConferenceDirect Foundation, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), and SearchWide Global. Ferguson, one of the few Black leaders in destination marketing has been a long-time advocate for repairing diversity deficiencies and misrepresentations in the corporate environment. “Addressing racism should impact how you lead – it’s an American issue,” said Ferguson. TDM’s four guiding pillars include Apprenticeship Programs; Workforce Development; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and Research and Data. The goal is to sustain and expand the platform by collaborating with associated organizations and industries and notable research institutions to develop impactful solutions for all involved. Greg DeShields, CDE, CHE, a respected leader on behalf of DEI and regarded for initiatives to raise Philadelphia’s image as a multicultural visitor destination, has been named Executive Director. In addition to this new leadership role, he will continue to lead PHL Diversity, a division of PHLCVB. About Tourism Diversity Matters Tourism Diversity Matters (TDM) is a 501 C (6) founded as the collaborative leader of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and concepts that can address the blind spots of ethnic disparities and provide decision-makers in the tourism industry access, resources, and tactics to develop more effective Diversity & Inclusion strategies that will engage and retain a diverse workforce. At TDM, we focus on four primary pillars of activity to benefit the Tourism Industry: Apprenticeships, Workforce Development, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Research and Data. TDM’s goal is to sustain and expand our platform by affiliating with fellow industry partners and notable research institutions, creating solutions that can be implemented, contributing to organizational success. Follow TDM @TDM_Matters on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Exhibits and events at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis

Leave a comment
The Eiteljorg Museum in downtown Indianapolis. Image by Zach Malmgren, courtesy of the Eiteljorg Museum

A current exhibition, the first rotation of Powerful Women: Contemporary Art from the Eiteljorg Collection, is open now until March 21. It features contemporary art by Native American women contemporary artists. A second rotation of Powerful Women opens April 18 and will continue through Oct. 3, 2021. It will feature contemporary art by a diverse group of women contemporary artists, including Native American, African American, Latino, Asian American and European American women artists. The exhibition is included with regular Eiteljorg admission. For ticket information, visit www.eiteljorg.org/visit or call 317-636-WEST.

Historic Landmark For Women’s Empowerment Will Transform Into the Guild House Hotel, Luxury Boutique Accommodations In the Heart of Philadelphia

Leave a comment

Guild House hotel, Philadelphia’s newest luxury boutique hotel, will open its doors this March in celebration of Women’s History Month. Located in the National Historic Landmark that once served as home to one of the nation’s leading women’s empowerment organizations, Guild House Hotel will honor its roots by celebrating the New Century Guild’s legacy, supporting female & minority-owned business owners and furthering the organizations’ traditions. Founded in 1882, the forward-thinking,independent female abolitionists, suffragists, artists, and writers behind The New Century Guild used this building as a hub for education, entertainment, and activism in the early 20th century. The Guild House hotel seeks to celebrate its legacy by connecting the past with the present to create an intriguing and inspiring experience for guests. This can be seen in everything from the 12 suites inspired by the iconic female leaders of the New Century Guild, and the elegant interior design to the amenities provided by women- and minority-owned businesses, and the sense of community created at the hotel intended to honor the historic traditions and women’s empowerment initiatives set forth here nearly 140 years ago. “Every aspect of the Guild House hotel tells the remarkable story of its historic past in a way that feels fresh, modern and relevant, offering guests an unforgettable experience,” said Brennan Tomasetti, co-owner of the Guild House Hotel. “We’re proud of our connection to these women and the passion for social progress, justice and equity that the New Century Guild embodied for more than a century. We strive to honor their legacy by nurturing our own inclusive, inspiring community.” To learn more about the Guild House hotel, visit their website at guildhousehotel.com, or on social media @guildhousehotel on Instagram or Facebook.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame | It’s Been Said All Along: Voices of Rage, Hope & Empowerment

Leave a comment

One of the newest exhibits at Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, It’s Been Said All Along: Voices of Rage, Hope & Empowerment showcases musical and visual artists that have created art as a response to unspeakable tragedy and to promote social justice. Artifacts include Aretha Franklin’s Valentino dress worn during her first appearance at Radio City Music Hall, a jumpsuit worn by James Brown and Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” lyrics. Director of Curatorial Affairs Nwaka Onwusa explained, “we want to show what the power of rock ‘n’ roll looks like in the face of segregation and racism. These artists have stood above all that and done it elegantly.” Visitors can also experience the exhibit online with a virtual exhibit walk-through and an official Spotify playlist. Virtual exhibit walk-through: https://www.rockhall.com/its-been-said-all-along

Celebrating Black Life in Las Vegas: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future

Leave a comment

The Mob Museum, The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, announces a special program Celebrating Black Life in Las Vegas: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future to take place Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 7 to 8:30 p.m inside the Historic Courtroom on the second floor. To watch a livestream of this event, click on the “Watch” button here. African Americans have played an integral role in the development of Las Vegas since at least the 1940s. It is a rich story of painful challenges and hard-earned triumphs. This panel discussion features individuals who have lived through the highs and lows of the African-American experience in Las Vegas, as well as those who document and preserve that history for future generations. The panel also will discuss the HUNDRED (Historic Urban Neighborhood Design Redevelopment) Plan, the city initiative to redevelop the historic West Las Vegas neighborhood. Cost: Free for Museum Members or with Museum admission. Reservations are required. Click here to RSVP. For more information, please call (702) 229-2734 or visit themobmuseum.org. ABOUT THE MOB MUSEUM: The Mob Museum, the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides a world-class journey through true stories—from the birth of the Mob to today’s headlines. The Mob Museum offers a provocative, contemporary look at these topics through hundreds of artifacts and immersive storylines. Numerous interactive exhibits include a Crime Lab, Firearm Training Simulator and Organized Crime Today exhibit. The Museum is also home to The Underground, a Prohibition history exhibition featuring a speakeasy and distillery sponsored by Zappos. For more information and to register, visit www.themobmuseum.org/events/.

Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce Named Lorne Steedley Vice President, Diversity and Inclusive Growth

Leave a comment

The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce named Lorne Steedley, M.S., M.A., as Vice President, Diversity and Inclusive Growth. “Lorne Steedley brings a depth of experience in economic and community development, urban studies and equity-focused collaboration in the business and philanthropic sectors to our talented Chattanooga Chamber team. Lorne will help us move our community closer to the Velocity2040 and Chattanooga Climbs vision of an inclusive economy and collaborative leadership – a community where every resident is thriving,” said Christy Gillenwater, President & CEO, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce. Velocity2040 is a community-wide visioning process that included a survey to which some 5,000 Hamilton County residents responded, expressing their dreams for the future of Chattanooga. Chattanooga Climbs is a 5-year economic and talent development strategic plan. www.chattanoogachamber.com

Supporting and Celebrating Black Culture in St. Louis

Leave a comment

St. Louis doesn’t just promote, but celebrates its Black-owned businesses and heritage, offering travelers more than a few experiences to support local Black entrepreneurs. Culinary experiences are an easy  one. Gourmet Soul Restaurant is reinventing traditional soul food in fun, innovative ways, while places like Turn are putting a healthy spin on comfort food. Pharaohs Donuts and La Patisserie Chouquette bring the sweetness with both local favorites and fancier pastries, offering curbside orders and – in Pharohs case – the occasional free afternoon giveaway! It’s not just culinary discoveries. Hospitality icons like Central West End Bed and Breakfast allow visitors to support Black-owned accommodations. A bit of yoga The Collective or art-based mindfulness at Shine In All Shades provide unique escapes all run by Black locals. Retail therapy is still a thing, supporting local businesses like the jewelry makers on display at Diversity Gallery or the authors sold at EyeSeeMe Bookstore. And while so much talk has erupted about tearing down and defacing statues, St. Louis is proud of its statues celebrating Black history, including Frankie Muse Freeman (Kiener Plaza), Harriett and Dred Scott (Old Courthouse), George Washington Carver (Missouri Botanical Gardens), and Ozzie Smith, Bob Gibson, Lou Brock and James Cool Papa Bell (Busch Stadium). Visits to the Scott Joplin House or the National Blues Museum will bring the sounds of some of the nation’s most iconic Black musicians to life. For more information and resources to plan your trip, visit: https://explorestlouis.com/

Chickasaw Country: Discover the “First American Culture” Destination

Leave a comment

First Nation tourism is the antidote to cultural discovery as the pandemic continues. International borders are shut but within North America, destinations like Chickasaw Country offer glimpses into the pre-colonial cultures that first inhabited the United States. Americans can travel to their backyards, looking no further than Oklahoma, to experience this indigenous culture firsthand in respectful, responsible ways. The Chickasaw Cultural Center is the hub for demonstrations and experiences related to First American history and present-day culture, joining places like Chickasaw White House, Chickasaw National Capitol, Chickasaw Bank Museum, Chickasaw Council House Museum, and the Chokma’si Gallery in showcasing First American culture. And it’s not all old artefacts and traditional ways of life Exhibit C Native Gallery & Gifts, Oklahoma City’s premier First American art gallery, is located in Bricktown. The gallery displays works of numerous artists from the Chickasaw and southeastern tribes, as well as artists from across Indian Country. People can currently even visit and shop at the gallery with a personalized virtual tour. Exhibit C continues the vision of raising awareness of the many cultural experiences in Oklahoma, showcasing contemporary versions of these First Nation cultures. If getting outdoor is more your speed, Chickasaw Country boasts one of only three Oklahoma parks affiliated with National Park Service, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. This beautiful oasis of water, foliage and wildlife is the perfect backdrop for all your favorite outdoor activities while keeping safe, social distance. A park favorite, amongst spotting wild Buffalo, is fishing! Year round, the various areas of the park offer fishing of all kinds for enthusiast. For more information and resources to plan your trip, visit: https://chickasawcountry.com/

“Insights and Perspectives on the Black Traveler” webinar, Dec 8th, 1 pm EST

Leave a comment

Black U.S. leisure travelers spent $109.4 billion on travel in 2019 according to a report by MMGY Global “The Black Traveler: Insights, Opportunities & Priorities” and a December 8th webinar will present findings from Phase I of the study. The “Insights and Perspectives on the Black Traveler” webinar will be presented at 1 pm EST on December 8th by the DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion) Committee of The Society of American Travel Writers (SATW).  

Continue reading →

Mexico’s International Festival of Santa Lucía goes Digital and offers the opportunity to enjoy lineup from the comfort of home

Leave a comment

The Santa Lucia International Festival, which started on the 11th of October in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, has reaffirmed its position as one of the largest cultural events in Latin America with a 27-day program that brought over 300 artists to the homes of spectators across the globe.

“The Festival, which has championed access to culture as a universal right, due to the positive effect it represents on people’s mental and emotional health,” said Lorenia Canavati von Borstel, President of the Festival.

Continue reading →