Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1544721
B M & T ••• May/June 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 44 What elevates Charlotte is how naturally business and cul- ture intersect. Time at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture adds depth to any itinerary, telling the story of the historic Brooklyn neighborhood that once stood there. Beyond Uptown, the Historic West End and the Beatties Ford Corridor offer a living sense of place, while Johnson C. Smith University is an enduring HBCU presence that contin- ues to shape the city's identity. Time outside the meeting room becomes part of the experi- ence. Soul food dinners at Mert's Heart & Soul or Freshwaters Southern New Orleans set a rooted and welcoming atmos- phere, while the Archive CLT coffeeshop and the East African halal cuisine of Serengeti Kitchen open the door to contempo- rary expressions of Black-owned dining and gathering spaces. Even casual moments — coffee at Indigo Tea & Coffee or a relaxed brunch at Uptown Yolk — carry a sense of connection. Charlotte also knows how to balance reflection with release. You can step into the creativity of the NoDa neighborhood, gather your group at Camp North End, or unwind outdoors at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, where team-building shifts naturally into play. Evenings feature live music and rooftop venues among the city's social spaces. GREENSBORO Greensboro invites you to build an experience where meet- ings happen alongside moments of cultural wonder. Anchor your program at the Sheraton Greensboro Hotel at Four Seasons and Joseph S. Koury Convention Center, where scale and convenience keep everything under one roof, or pursue a more intimate setting at Greensboro Marriott Downtown or Hyatt Place Downtown GSO, with Elm Street, the heart of Greensboro's creative district, just steps away. At the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, the legacy of the A&T Four, the four students of the first sit-in in 1960, lives on at North Carolina A&T State University, giving your group a new, shared perspective on history. Pair that with the presence of Bennett College and an overnight or reception tied to The Historic Magnolia House, and your itinerary begins to take on Greensboro's character and sense of place. An evening might start at the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts, followed by live local music at a nightclub like The Flat Iron or a rooftop gathering at One Thirteen Brewhouse + Rooftop Bar. For a curated cultural experience, the African American Atelier inside the Greensboro Cultural Center offers a meaningful way to engage with local artists and perspectives. Dining is also part of Greensboro's story. You might start the day at The New Summit Cafe, then make your way to any of the many stops that reflect the city's network of Black-owned restaurants. These choices give your group more than a meal— they create opportunities to give back and support the local community. When it's time to reset, a walk along the Downtown Greenway, a quiet hour at the Bog Garden at Benjamin Park, or time spent at Gateway Gardens brings balance to a busy schedule. What you can create in Greensboro is more than a meeting – it can be a shared experience of history and culture. RALEIGH Raleigh makes it easy to design an experience featuring both business and cultural connection. You can stage your pro- gram at the Raleigh Convention Center, where scale and walk- ability keep your logistics efficient, then step into downtown's pulse from the Raleigh Marriott City Center or Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown. From there, Fayetteville Street and nearby districts provide a mix of dining, arts, and nightlife that keeps attendees engaged without over-scheduling. The city's Black heritage is not just something you sample - it shapes how you experience Raleigh. A visit to the Pope House Museum, Shaw University, or Saint Augustine's University brings depth to your itinerary, connecting your group to stories of education, leadership, and community. Add a trip to the John P. "Top" Greene African American Cultural Charlotte Skyline Greensboro O'Henry Hotel Raleight Convention Center Ballroom