Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1533069
untimely death, we made a decision not to attempt to publish a January/February 2025 issue of Black Meetings & Tourism to give our- selves enough time to process and recover from this tragic loss. And while no amount of time will take away the pain of him leaving us, we have pulled things together and are getting back on track. This issue of Black Meetings & Tourism contains the last several stories our dear son wrote for the magazine. His contribu- tions will be sorely missed. We want to take this opportunity to thank those of you who took the time to call, write and message us your condolences and love. This was very much appreciated. We also heard from some folks who we didn't know and are not in the travel/meetings/hospitality industry. One of these messages – see below – really touched us deeply, and is a perfect example of how special and caring Solomon was. "Hello Mr. Herbert, you do not know me but my name is Tamya Roberts. First I want to give you my sincerest condolences to your family. I and my husband met your son Solomon over 16yrs ago when he coached football with the Falcons here in Los Angeles. Your son was a great impact for our family. My son Caleb who is now 23yrs is deaf. My son wanted to play football but a lot of teams in LA would not take him, however the Falcons did. Your son took our son under his wing and worked with Caleb and helped him to learn the sport without fear. We kept in touch with Solomon throughout the years. I want you to know how your son impacted our lives in such a positive way. I truly am Thankful that we met your son. May you and your family continue to be covered by Gods grace and give you peace. Thank you for giving life to a great man. Peace and Blessings." We received many other messages that acknowledged the character, kindness and generosity of Solomon. Glo and I are so very proud of his numerous accomplishments and the person he developed into during his rela- tively short life. We will always have a special place for him in our hearts and cherish the memories of the time we were able to spend with him. 4 B M & T ••• March/April 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Black Meetings & Tourism is published bi-monthly by Black Meetings & Tourism LCC, 20840 Chase St., Winnetka, CA 91306-1207 • Telephone: (818) 694-7830 • Copyright 2025 by Black Meetings & Tourism LCC. All rights reserved. Single Copies, $6.00 Subscriptions $45.00. Postage Paid at Pasadena, CA. •Postmaster send address changes to Black Meetings & Tourism, 20840 Chase St., Winnetka, CA 91306-1207. As you probably know by now, Glo and I have lost our beloved Solomon II, who made his transition last year a few days before Thanksgiving. He was not only a loving and devoted son, he was also an intricate part of Black Meetings & Tourism. He was truly gifted and multi-talented, designing our covers, and writing countless stories for the magazine for decades. Following years of working for the family business on a part time basis and running his own trucking company, in mid 2024 he decided to shut down his operation and come work full time for Black Meetings & Tourism. After coming on board Solomon attended the IMEX America trade show during October in Las Vegas and the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals conference during November in Birmingham. It was during these two events that he had an opportunity to per- sonally meet some of our friends and col- leagues in the industry about whom he had been writing for so many years. He was being groomed to play an even more important role in our media company. Because of Solomon's unexpected and PUBLISHER'S Solomon J. Herbert Publisher/Editor-In-Chief E-Mail: BMandTMag@aol.com M E S S A G E