Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1498279
The eyes of the world are once again strongly focused on this nation as the U.S.A. pre- pares to commemorate its 250th anniver- sary in 2026. Based on feedback from international journalists and cultural enthusiasts, interest in America's history is at an all-time high. Thoroughly inter- twined in the making of this country is the story of African-Americans who were brought to this land involuntarily and who in some way have touched every aspect of its development. As a part of the increasing global atten- tion being given to U.S. heritage, there is also growing curiosity about the "Culture of Color." With Black Panther and Wakanda Forever recognized among the top grossing films in cinema history, and the popularity of award-winning movies such as One Night in Miami, Green Book and If Beale Street Could Talk, recent polls and surveys confirm the most pro- nounced interest in African-American cul- ture since 1977, when Alex Haley's classic "Roots," and the T.V. mini-series it spawned, created a wave of heighten awareness about African American histo- ry and all things related, i.e. music, food, traditions, etc. Even the 2018 Royal marriage ceremo- ny of England's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, with its spirited infusions of African American representation, capti- vated the attention of an unprecedented number of television viewers around the globe. The head- line news events regarding the police killings of more than 1,068 unarmed African-Americans since the murder of George Floyd have served to further raise questions regarding the role and status of Blacks in America According to Laura Mandala, CEO of Mandala Research, "The history of African Americans is the history of America." In a recent PBS interview, Ta-Nehisi Coates, author of the New York Times number one best-selling novel, The Water Dancer, suggests that after over 400 years of misinforma- tion, or no information, the world is eager to learn the truth about Africans in America. Documented reports by Travel Industry resources indicate post pandemic patterns and trends show a growing number of travelers visit- ed a heritage site or museum and/or attended a cultural event during their last travel experience. Based on a report from Mandala Research, 36% of all U.S. travelers say that "the availability of African American cultural, historic sites and attractions is either "very important (19%) or "somewhat important" (17%) in their choice of leisure destinations. A recent historic cultural traveler survey found that historic cultural travelers spend about 37% more during their stay then the average traveler in the US. The survey also showed that historic cultural trips were more likely than the average to last at least seven nights and include air travel, a rental car and hotel lodging. The Washington DC African American O U R U.S. SE M I Q U I N C E N T E N N I A L 250 BLACK AMERICA By Gloria & Solomon Herbert © 44 B M & T ••• May/Junel 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com T e l l i n g Y o u r S t o r i e s