Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1421252
ABOUT PAMELA STEVENSON Pamela Stevenson served in the U.S. Air Force for 27 years and reached the rank of colonel. Stevenson earned a J.D. from Indiana University. Her career experience includes working as an adjunct professor with the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law and Air Force JAG School, as a professional leadership consultant, and founding a law firm. Stevenson is a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives, representing Disrict 43. She assumed office on January 1, 2021. Her current term ends on December 31, 2022. Q: You are probably aware that as of July 1, of this year, Cleo Battle became President and CEO of Louisville Tourism. He is one of fewer than 10 African Americans who head a destination marketing office. What, if any, efforts is Kentucky making to create opportunities for other highly qualified people of color to fill leadership positions in your Travel and Tourism arena? A: Congratulations to Mr. Battle! Mr. Battle sees the world of tourism through a different set of lenses, as he brings his unique set of experiences to the position. He will help us to develop leadership opportunities for others. The history of black Kentuckians must be expanded and expounded upon and where feasible developed into an experience worth traveling for. This is why I am excited to meet him and learn about his vision for Louisville tourism. Q: Louisville is the economic engine of the state and must continue to make sure that measures are being taken to expand into cultural tourism. This points to the need of developing the story of Black Kentuckians, including destinations that explore the history of Black Kentuckians A: Everyone loves their history. It is what makes us who we are today. We especially love it when our history is acknowledged and incorporated into the history of the whole. The rich and beautiful history of Kentucky does not include enough of the history of Black Kentuckians. I am sure when we look back the contributions and challenges faced by black Kentuckians have not been fully acknowledged. For example, I was pleasantly surprised to learn of a small bed and breakfast in rural Kentucky, which catered to traveling black Kentuckians. In addition, I attended a ceremony to place a marker to acknowledge the contributions of Nannie Helen Burroughs to Louisville. Burroughs, a suffragist, educator and leader for gender and racial equality, worked in Louisville. There is enough history in Kentucky for a rich cultural experience. We need to develop and promote these people and places. Q: African Americans are especially interested in destinations where they can have a rich cultural experience. As the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, what message do you have for a meeting planner who is considering bringing a meeting or convention to Kentucky, or a travel agent who is booking a vacation for his/her client in Kentucky? A: Black Kentuckians have a story. We will discover and uplift these stories and places to honor the state's her- itage. While there is more work to be done to include the history of Black Kentuckians in the tourism of Kentucky, I invite you to enjoy what we have, while we grow more. While we are best known for bourbon, food, horses, we are now ALSO known for Breonna Taylor, the Roots 101 museum, and Muhammad Ali. We have a rich story, to include black jockeys, our response to segregation and the black business community that we built on Old Walnut. Watch us grow Kentucky's tourism, as we honor the contribution and lives of all Kentuckians. Discover this heritage. Discover the soul of Kentucky. B M & T ••• September/October 2021 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 14