Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1498279
3 CONTENTS 17 17 14 14 44 44 49 49 19 19 VOLUME 30, ISSUE 5, MAY/JUNE 2023 4 Publisher's Message 5 Calendar of Events 6 In The News 9 Local Hero 10 Hotel Happenings 12 Newsmakers 56 Travel Data 57 Caribbean Corner 59 Cruise News 62 Anguilla 63 Atlantic City 64 British Virgin Islands 65 Chicago 66 Connecticut 68 Delaware 69 Denver 70 Missouri 72 Nebraska 73 Southern California B M & T ••• May/June 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com COVER STORY FEATURES DEPARTMENT AREA GUIDES It's been decades and Andrew 'Andy' Ingraham, the passionate and charismatic prime mover of the National Association of Black Hotel Owners,Operators, & Developers (NABHOOD) hasn't skipped a beat or missed a step in his robust advocacy for Black advance- ment within the hotel and hospitality industry. NAB- HOOD President Andy Ingraham Continues To Advocate For Black Advancement tells the whole story. By Darlene Donloe The eyes of the world are once again strongly focused on this nation as the U.S.A. prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary in 2026. Based on feedback from international journalists and cultural enthusiasts, inter- est in America's history is at an all-time high. Our U.S. Semiquincentennial signals the launch of a new initia- tive by Black Meetings & Tourism entitled Black America 250. By Gloria & Solomon Herbert 48 48 Many southern destinations create the perfect envi- ronment for planning events of a multitude of sizes. African-American Guide To Meetings, Incentives & Traveling In The South offers a number of reasons that play a role in why this region is a Meeting Planner favorite when it comes to booking events. By Solomon Herbert II Minneapolis Convention Center Recognized For Achievement Of Sustainability reports on how the facil- ity has achieved Gold Level certification for the Events Industry Council (EIC) Sustainable Event Standards. From the state's bustling urban cen- ters, with world-class attractions, hotels, dining and shopping, to a more relaxed small-town country inn or a luxurious golf resort, you'll find what you're looking for in Texas. Texas Gold Special Advertising Section provides all the details. By Rufus McKinney Myrtle Beach-Scenic Aerial Puerto Rico is an archipelago that's divided into 78 munic- ipalities that are all unique, and open for business. Although San Juan, the capital, offers numerous hotel and accommo- dation choices, there are many options that offer breath tak- ing beaches and stunning landscapes throughout the island. Puerto Rico, The Place To Go In The Caribbean explains why. By Matt Thomas BL ACK MEETING & TOURISM LLC