Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1533069
12 B M & T ••• March/April 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com T O U R O P E R A T O R P R O F I L E DONNA TODD: THE MAGIC OF PRESERVING BIRMINGHAM'S CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORY BY ZYAN AVRAHAM D onna Todd , founder and lead operator of Abracadabra Ultimate Consultations , is a corner- stone of Birmingham's tourism indus- try. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, her company offers immersive tours that bring the city's rich Civil Rights history to life. With over three decades of experience, Donna blends her pas- sion for storytelling with a commit- ment to preserving the legacies of those who fought for justice, making her a sought-after figure in cultural tourism. A JOURNEY ROOTED IN FAMILY HISTORY Donna's passion for history is deeply rooted in her family's tradition of travel and storytelling. Born in Chicago to parents who met in Alabama, she grew up shuttling between Southern Alabama and extended family in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. Her uncle, a United Steelworkers union advocate, shared first hand stories of testifying for minimum wage laws and trac- ing connections between coal mines in Pennsylvania and Birmingham. These experiences left an indelible mark, igniting Donna's appreciation for the profound intersections of history and personal heritage. FROM THE STAGE TO THE BUS AISLE Before stepping into the tourism industry, Donna owned and operated Sculpture Essence, a Birmingham dance studio, for over 20 years. Her performing arts background prepared her to bring history alive, transforming the bus aisle into her stage. Her tours are meticulously researched, requiring hours of preparation and fact-checking. "The night before, I ensure a good night's sleep and arrive early," she shares, "because sur- prises always arise, and guests deserve my best." Her tours, whether intimate or large-scale, leave guests yearning for more. She recalls the Philadelphia Boys Choir's eight-day journey, which spanned Texas to Alabama, as one of her most ambitious undertakings. Organized by Classic Movements, a global tour company, it was a testament to her expertise. Yet, Donna cherishes smaller tours just as much, as they allow for deeper engagement and exploration. EMOTIONAL CONNECTIONS TO SACRED SPACES One of Donna's most moving tours takes visitors to Africatown in Mobile, Alabama. This was the final destina- tion of the last known slave ship to the U.S. Stepping onto the sandy shores of Mobile Bay, guests often describe a visceral connection to the past, feeling the weight of enslaved ances- tors' memories beneath their feet. On one occasion, the entire group dressed in white, creating a powerful vision of unity and reverence. "It felt like being part of a large family," Donna recalls. A CAREER SPARKED BY A FAMILY REUNION Donna's journey into tourism began unexpectedly during a family reunion. Her reputation for speaking passionately about local history earned her the role of tour guide. Initially met with skepticism by family and old friends, she surprised everyone with new insights about their shared hometown. Despite mul- tiple bus breakdowns, Donna's resourcefulness—including funding a hot dog contest to keep spirits high—turned the tour into a success. The bus owner later refunded the guests but praised Donna's talents, encouraging her to pursue tourism full-time. Shortly after, the Birmingham Convention Bureau financed her first brochure in 1990. Balancing her new role as a mother and entrepreneur, Donna drew strength from her grandmoth- er's advice to "keep going." That moment marked the official launch of Abracadabra Ultimate Consultations. PRESERVING HISTORY THROUGH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Beyond tours, Donna is deeply involved in Birmingham's preservation efforts. She serves on the board of the Birmingham Art Club, which owns the historic A.M. Brown House—once home to one of Birmingham's first Black doc- tors. Dr. Brown, a Lincoln University graduate, known for cre- ating a hospital within his home to provide medical care to Black patients denied treatment elsewhere. Donna's commit- ment to sharing these untold stories ensures that such legacies endure. LOOKING AHEAD Donna's latest project, Meet Me in Mobile, launches in April 2025 with two tour groups. The tour promises to blend her sig- nature storytelling with new experiences, offering participants an unforgettable journey through history. For more information or to book a tour, contact Donna Todd at (803) 361-2650. As she says, "History is alive, and it's waiting for you to discover it."