Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1436811
B M & T ••• November/December 2021 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 25 learning. Upon signing the pledge, participants will receive a link to an exclusive training video created specifically for the tourism and hospitality community in Baltimore. The training is presented by Visit Baltimore and well-respected DEI expert Dr. Karsonya "Kaye" Wise Whitehead, Ph.D., founding director of The Karson Institute for Race, Peace & Social Justice on the campus of Loyola University Maryland and host of "Today with Dr. Kaye" on WEAA 88.9 FM. "We are in a moment where we must take up and answer the most persistent questions around the ways in which equity and diversity intersect within a city that wants to be seen as both inclusive and welcoming," said Dr. Whitehead. "This is a moment for Baltimore City to step forward and take the lead on these conversations. I am delighted to partner with Visit Baltimore to provide the diversity training and policy recommendations for how we, as a city and as individuals, can move forward. For far too long in this country, there has been a concern that the American story does not include all voices and perspectives. The work that Visit Baltimore is doing is designed to chal- lenge those beliefs, to expand the American story, and to make a place for everyone to be invited to the table." Once an organization completes the training with their entire staff, Visit Baltimore will provide a Warm Welcome kit that includes a window cling and other display items to show visitors they are seen and respected in that place of business. Additional DEI training modules will be provided by Visit Baltimore on an ongoing basis as appropriate, especially to smaller businesses without the resources to fund their own initiatives. "Tourism is a key part of our economy and central to Baltimore's recovery," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "I'm thrilled to support Visit Baltimore's Warm Welcome Program to promote diversity and inclusion in our city." The Warm Welcome Program is just one part of Visit Baltimore's larger efforts to broaden its diversity marketing initiatives. Most recently, Visit Baltimore announced a new Data Analytics Fellowship sponsored by Tourism Economics that offers emerging leaders with diverse ethnic backgrounds firsthand experience working in the data, technology and business intelligence sector within the destination marketing community. Earlier this year, Visit Baltimore announced selections for its 2021 Diversity Apprenticeship Program sponsored by Guinness Open Gate Brewery, which will provide 10 new hospitality career pathways for underrepresented populations in Baltimore. In 2020, the organization offered DEI trainings for Baltimore tourism and hospitality leaders and its staff as well as introduced a special free BoP pass, which unlocks exclusive deals and discounts to Black-owned busi- nesses as well as museums and attractions that celebrate Baltimore's deep African American history and heritage. To learn more about how Visit Baltimore embraces and celebrates diversity, please visit Baltimore.org/Committed-To- Diversity-Equity-Inclusion. For more on how the Warm Welcome Program works, visit the program landing page at Baltimore.org/WarmWelcome. ABOUT VISIT BALTIMORE Visit Baltimore is the official sales and marketing arm for the City of Baltimore. The 501(c)(6) organization gener- ates economic benefits for stakeholders through the attraction of convention, group and leisure visitors. In 2019, spending by travelers totaled $6 billion in direct spending throughout the city, supporting 86,827 total jobs and gener- ating $750 million in state and city tax revenues. For more information, please visit Baltimore.org. ABOUT THE KARSON INSTITUTE FOR RACE, PEACE & SOCIAL JUSTICE The Karson Institute for Race, Peace & Social Justice, located on the campus of Loyola University Maryland, provides a scholarly space for professors, students, social justice workers, and activists to come together to research, discuss, debate, and explore topics of inequality, injustice, and racial inequity in the United States. The Karson Institute consists of three centers: the Center for Public Engagement that hosts outward-facing monthly conversations on race and equity; the Center for Teaching and Learning that provides training and resources in culturally responsive teaching and diver- sity, equity, and inclusion to K-12th grade teachers; and the Center for Research and Culture which provides spaces for junior and senior scholars to collaborate on research projects. Karsonya "Kaye" Wise Whitehead, Ph.D., associate pro- fessor of communication and African and African American studies, founded and directs the center. copyright: appalachianviews Baltimore Inner Harbor Skyline at night