Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/57242
Defile of Silleteros At The Fair of Flowers lyst for change. All builtwith the highest possible qual- ity and all creating jobs in the process. As Fajardo put it, "all government action must be strategically linked to solving fundamental problems of social equality, violence and a cul- ture of lawlessness." His philosophy is based on decency, dignity and respect for all people. He realized the need to rehabilitate and connect communities, eliminate invisible bar- riers and to give priority to pedestri- ans – not cars. As one who majored in urban studies in college, I was amazed at how a city that was once convulsing in cocaine wars, overrun by drug lords and leftist guerillas – and aver- aged over 5,000 murders a year, could transformitself into one of the safest, most dynamic cities in South America. Needless to say, none of it was easy and it required both political leadership and a high level of com- mitment from its citizens. However, it does make you think: If Medellin, of all cities, can create this type of transformation, why can't major metropolitan cities within the U.S. do the same? Both Bogota and Cartegena have 28 Black Meetings & Tourism January/February 2012: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com their own unique personalities, distinctiveness and charm. In a future article, I'll sharewith youwhy having your nextmeeting in Colombia would not only be a smart business decision, but a rewarding one. Public Building, Medellín