Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/704649
3 B M & T ••• March/April 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com CONTENTS B L A C K M E E T I N G S & T O U R I S M COVER STORY 22 22 19 19 16 16 VOLUME 23, ISSUE 3, 2016 FEATURES In today's world, almost every American citizen would consider TRAVEL as one of those inalienable rights perhaps as precious as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. To African-Americans, travel represents an even greater level of freedom. One that did not come without years of struggle and challenge. Enjoying The Freedom of Travel provides the historical backdrop for the advent of he New Green Book African-American Travel Guide. By Gloria Herbert 4 Publisher's Message 5 Calendar of Events 6 Newsmakers 8 Hotel Happenings 10 In The News 14 Religious Review 18 Caribbean Corner 40 Travel Data 44 Cruise News 41 Washington, DC 46 Anguilla 47 Georgia 50 Jackson 51 Minneapolis Turning Servitude Into Success follows Julie Coker Graham's career path that led to her current position as president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB). By Matthew Thomas 24 24 As we do every year around this time, Black Meetings & Tourism will again review the progress and success of those African-Americans who continue to make signifi- cant strides in our industry. BM&T's Most Influential African-Americans in Meetings/Tourism Industry is our opportunity to acknowledge the hard work, dedi- cation and contributions of our brothers and sisters who have managed to perform at the highest professional lev- els despite the challenging economic times we have all faced in recent years. By Gloria Herbert 36 36 Top 3 Reasons To Hold Meetings/Events at a Historic Hotel offers a strong rationale for utilizing a classic hotel like the Amway Grand Plaza for your next event. When an organization has been in existence for "100 Years," it is considered a historic institution. In 2016, the "100th Anniversary" of the American Tennis Association (ATA) will be celebrated. Permanent Home for ATA on the Horizon reports on plans for the legendary organization to celebrate its centennial in grand style at the site of its new world-class facility currently being developed in Fort Lauderdale. 12 12 If you haven't been to St. Louis recently, you haven't really been to St. Louis. St. Louis is Back, and You'll Be Too reports on the newest facilities, attractions and other developments that are sure to lure you and your association back for a meeting in this top Midwestern hotspot. 41 41 The Beauty of the U.S. Virgin Islands extols the virtues of St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John for planners and travel agents seeking the perfect Caribbean destination for their meeting and leisure travel clients. By Matthew Thomas A R E A G U I D E S D E P A R T M E N T S Illustration By: Scusi