Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/70980
rich cultural heritage. Macon is home to the GeorgiaMusic Hall of Fame,which showcases the accomplishments ofGeorgia natives like Little Richard, Ray Charles, Gladys Knight, gospel music pioneer the Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Dorsey and other African-American musicians with connections to the state. The Bobby Jones Performing Arts Center, named for another well-known fig- ure in gospel, and the Booker T. Washington Community Center, which houses the Otis Redding Memorial Library, are located in Macon's Pleasant Hill Historic District. Redding also is honored with a statue in Gateway Park and the Otis Redding Memorial Bridge that stretches across the Ocmulgee River. Macon's most prominent Black heritage attraction is the Tubman African American Museum, whose centerpiece exhibit is a 63-ft. mural by Macon artist Wilfred Stroud titled "From Africa to America". The Coliseum & Edgar H. Wilson Convention Centre is the largest meeting venue in the Macon/Bibb County area, Macon/Bibb Hay House with 140,000 total sq. ft. of space, including 20 meeting areas, a 9,100-sq.-ft. ballroom and more than 85,000 sq. ft. of exhib- it space. SAVANNAH Known for the picturesque charm of its historic district, Savannah also is the gateway to one of Georgia's favorite recreational destinations. Family reunion groups might espe- cially enjoy an excursion to Tybee Island, located 18 miles east of Savannah, for a day of kayaking, beachcombing, pic- nicking and touring the TybeeMarine Science Center,Tybee Light Station andTybee IslandMuseum. History buffs will want to spend some time among the Talmadge Memorial Bridge more than 1,600 buildings in the historic district, including severalAfrican-American heritage sites.Founded in 1773 and thought to be the oldest continuously operating Black con- gregation in North America, First African Baptist Church once served as a station on theUndergroundRailroad.Other local Black heritage attractions include the Beach Institute African-American Cultural Center, the King-Tisdell Cottage and the RalphMark Gilbert Civil RightsMuseum. The city's largest meeting space is the 330,000-sq. ft. More Value (More options.) You don't have to compromise quality for value. Just an hour south of Atlanta on I-75, Macon offers first-class meeting spaces including the 110,000 sq. ft. Macon Centreplex and 5,500 affordable sleeping rooms. Host memorable offsite functions in historic homes, interactive museums, HD theatres and urban art galleries. After work, play and unwind in an eclectic city known for its historic architecture and signature restaurants. Call Robin North at 800-768-3401 or email rnorth@maconga.org to schedule your next event! www.visitmacon.org • 800-768-3401 48 Black Meetings & Tourism May/June 2012: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com