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B M & T ••• May/June 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 30 ALABAMA Alabama is a treasure trove of African American history. Its numerous landmarks and cultural treasures make it an ideal place for generations to connect. Along the U.S. Civil Rights Trail routes in Montgomery, Birmingham and Selma, stories of courage and change rise from streets and landmarks that honor a movement. Nearby, Tuskegee's history as the training ground of the Tuskegee Airmen celebrates a legendary story of African American excellence and achievement. Yet Alabama is not defined by history alone. Along the Gulf Coast, Mobile invites you to waterfront views, cultural festivals, and vibrant neighborhoods, bringing ease to summer travel. Across the state, museums, music, and local traditions live side- by-side with outdoor recreation and welcoming accommoda- tions. Whether you're planning a gathering, a getaway, or some- thing in between, Alabama offers a variety of experiences and spaces. Groups seeking settings of genuine warmth and hospi- tality for their events have plenty to choose from here. BIRMINGHAM They don't call Birmingham "The Magic City" for nothing. It offers an array of options for both historical exploration and cultural enjoyment. In the Birmingham Civil Rights District, experiences at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Kelly Ingram Park place you within the narrative of the movement, while the A.G. Gaston Hotel and 16th Street Baptist Church stand as historical landmarks. That sense of purpose carries into the city's meetings land- scape. The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex and the connected Sheraton Birmingham Hotel create a central- ized, walkable and visitor-friendly hub for events. Around it, downtown Birmingham makes it simple for your attendees to move between sessions, dining, and cultural experiences. What happens beyond the meeting room is where Birmingham truly shines. The city's culinary scene reflects both tradition and evolution, from the soulful flavors of Saw's Soul Kitchen to the enduring appeal of Niki's West, while The Pizitz Food Hall adds a lively, communal energy. Events like HBCU football's annual Magic City Classic bring people together in celebration of heritage and community. Local music plays on at Iron City and its eclectic lineup of acts, Uptown Jazz Lounge, and within an active blues scene with local festivals and busy nightclubs. In addition to the Civil Rights Institute, Birmingham muse- um attractions include the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, Birmingham Botanical Gardens and the Birmingham Negro Southern League Museum. Public art fans can take a walking tour of Birmingham's many vibrant murals downtown and in the Civil Rights District, including one dedicated to hometown hero Willie Mays. Moments of balance also come naturally here. At Railroad Park, green space invites conversation, relaxation, and informal gatherings. In Birmingham, even a simple gathering can become a magical memory. MOBILE In Mobile, Africatown preserves the ongoing local story of the Clotilda, the last slave ship to enter the United States, at the Africatown Heritage House. The city continues linking its legacy to its present along the Mobile African American Heritage Trail and inside the History Museum of Mobile, housed in an 1800's building that once served as city hall and a farmer's market. Mobile shifts gears to celebrate as the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States, marking the distinction with a monthlong lineup of parades, parties and culture. Staying at the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel or The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa keeps you connected to city happenings. ARKANSAS Arkansas proves civil rights history and Black cultural lega- cy are not distant. In fact, they are jointly part of the landscape, woven into places including Little Rock's powerful heritage sites and museums, and into the state's many stories of resilience and progress. The experience doesn't end there. Arkansas opens into easy summer pleasures: riverfront strolls, live music drifting through warm evenings, and scenic byways that make group travel feel effortless. In Pine Bluff, the presence of HBCU University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and evolving arts programming add depth and pride, while Northwest Arkansas offers trails, nightlife, and creative spaces that keep itineraries balanced and engaging. For planners and travelers alike, Arkansas offers something rare—a place where heritage and connection meet comfort and fun. It's a state where each destination adds another layer to a memorable visit. Mobile Convention Center Birmingham Exhibit Hall