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BY MI CHAEL BENNETT The growth and resurgence in heritage tourismis no accident. Consumers from all walks of life have demandedmore and great destina- tions such as Florida andAlabama have answered the call. All too often the African-American experience has been hidden fromview. Well, not anymore. Several destinations have invested time, money and other resources paying tribute to African-American contributions and they’ve left those landmarks, trails andmuseums for all to enjoy. Many states offer guidebooks and brochures specifical- ly targeting African-American heritage with suggested itiner- aries tomaximize the experience. Despite these tough economic times demand is strong. For many African-Americans, heritage tourism is an emotional journey that brings laughter, tears, knowledge, pride, and yes dreams and possibilities. For the struggle of our ancestors serves as a powerful reminder how to persevere when all else seems lost. “Return to old watering holes for more than water, friends and dreams are there tomeet you”…African Proverb African-Americans more than any other group seek out heritage tourismopportunities on vacation or added to an itin- erary when attending a conference. For those unable to travel long distances, a quick car, bus or train ride could take you on the journey of a lifetime and still be home in time for dinner. Phoenix has severalAfrican-American heritage sites those outside the state might not be aware of, starting with the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center. Housed at the former Carver High School the museum archives the rich culture and experiences of early African- American pioneers. Anothermuseumof note, located in nearby Scottsdale is the African-AmericanMulticulturalMuseum. As they like to say, “they are a local museum with a global perspective.” The museumcelebratesmany races and cultures incorporating the African-American experience, affording visitors the opportu- nity to appreciate our differences and celebrate similarities. Just this pastDecember, the PhoenixCityCouncil designat- ed Tanner ChapelAME Church as a historic landmark. It is the oldestAfrican-AmericanChurch inPhoenix dating back to 1887. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and well as President Lyndon Johnson have all spoken or delivered sermons at this church. Other places you might want to visit on a journey to Phoenix, the Swindall House, the only hotel that admitted Black guests during segregation. Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Louis, Jackie Robinson and LouisArmstrong all stayed there at one time or another. If you love theater, check out the Black Theater Troupe in Phoenix. Now in its 41st year, they perform plays that reflect the heart and soul of the African-American experience. Performances are primarily Friday through Sunday. Birmingham, AL has arguably the richest African- American heritage tourism product in the world. The city played a central role in the Civil Rights Movement and the Convention andVisitors Bureau has a portion of their website dedicated to African-American heritage and much of that experience. The Birmingham Civil Rights District is a six-block tribute to themonumental fight for human rights in this country. This district includes; Sixteenth StreetBaptistChurch, site of the infamous bomb- Black Meetings & Tourism January/February 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 35