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B M & T ••• May/June 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 50 RICHMOND Walk into Jackson Ward, where the legacy of Black enter- prise still moves through the streets. The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia and the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, each ground your visit in stories of leadership and ownership. That sense of continuity moves forward at HBCU Virginia Union University. For meetings, the Greater Richmond Convention Center sets the stage downtown, with the Richmond Marriott and Hilton Richmond Downtown placing you within easy reach of the city's core. The nearby Greater Richmond Convention Center district flows naturally into the Arts District and river- front, where your agenda can shift from meetings to live music, galleries, and time along the James River. VIRGINIA BEACH Virginia Beach pairs coastal ease with a growing cultural framework that makes it more than a traditional beach destina- tion. The Virginia Beach Convention Center anchors the meet- ings landscape with flexible space suited for conferences, con- ventions, and sports events, supported by nearby oceanfront hotels such as Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront that keep groups connected to both the agenda and the shoreline. Virginia Beach's African American heritage as a seaside community is explored through historically significant church- es, and respectful visits to the historic Seastack and L&G Gardens communities. Coming next is the Virginia African American Cultural Center, scheduled to open in 2028 but already sponsoring culture-forward events like community fes- tivals, golf tournaments and a lecture series. The destination's cultural story continues to evolve through spaces like the ViBe Creative District, where local makers, murals and galleries make for a personal, neighborhood-driven experience. Dining and nightlife take flight with a mix of locally rooted restaurants, seafood spots, live music, and lounges that transition easily from group dinners to late-night socializing. Seasonal festivals and events add to Virginia Beach's cultural calendar. Beyond the beach, Virginia Beach expands into outdoor and wellness experiences for both individuals and groups. The three-mile Boardwalk encourages leisurely walks and bike rides, while First Landing State Park offers miles of trails, kayaking, and quiet shoreline away from the city's heartbeat. The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center provides a family-friendly option that fits easily into multigenerational itineraries. Here, you can build a stay that moves between meetings, cul- tural exploration, and restorative time by the water. That shows how Virginia Beach offers an ambiance both active and grounded. WEST VIRGINIA In West Virginia, heritage and landscape move in rhythm, inviting you to slow down and connect. In state capital Charleston, meetings and gatherings move easily between the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center and a downtown shaped by the legacy of "The Block" historic district, home to the city's spirit of African American culture and community. Just to the west, Huntington adds a creative element, with Marshall University, local festivals, and a walkable center that blends arts, music, and neighborhood pride into the everyday experience. Beyond the cities, the Mountain State opens wide. Harpers Ferry is a scenic town with a powerful connection to American history, while the New River Gorge offers rafting, hiking, and sweeping views that turn group itineraries into shared adven- ture. Resorts like The Greenbrier provide space to gather in style, while heritage sites, festivals, and family-friendly attrac- tions create moments of connection across generations. In the South, that sense of belonging stays with you long after the journey ends. It's what turns a gathering into some- Charleston, West Virginia, skyline on the Kanawha River at dusk Richmond GRCC Ballroom Virginia Beach Convention Center