Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/770139
B M & T ••• September/October 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 26 MINNEAPOLIS Forget what you think you know about Minnesota. Minneapolis is proof that it's a place that welcomes the world and celebrates diversity. The children in Minneapolis public schools speak more than 100 languages, and locals are proud to be home to the largest Somali and Hmong populations in the U.S. It's a progressive city that cultivates and supports diverse businesses, and embraces art, cuisine and entertain- ment from around the globe. Minneapolis is home to African-American pioneers and leading arts groups. From the three-time Grammy-award- winning Sounds of Blackness and the renowned Penumbra Theatre Company, to the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder newspaper (still going strong after 80 years in print), it's a city where African-Americans excel and keep making history. And the Minneapolis Convention Center is more than just an events facility - it's a relationship building. Its' the perfect place to connect with people, build lasting relationships, and experience the city that's shattering stereotypes. Minneapolis is the perfect blend of natural beauty, urban sophistication and a thriving business sector. No other American city has a chain of lakes, the mighty Mississippi, and 200 miles of walking/biking trails literally steps from the most vibrant arts and music scene outside New York City. To learn more about Minneapolis, visit Minneapolis.org MISSOURI It's a state renowned for its natural beauty and unique place in American history with more than 1,000 Civil War battles fought on its soil. African-American history is chronicled at places like the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing just north of St. Louis, The Scott Joplin House State Historic Site where he wrote the ragtime classic (i)The Entertainer(ei) and the Old Courthouse in St Louis, site of the famous Dred Scott case. The Gateway Arch symbolized America's westward expansion and the St. Louis Zoo is arguably the nation's best. Known by many as the "Live Music Show Capital of the World," Branson has more than 50 live performance theaters, three lakes, a dozen golf courses, a world-renowned theme park and museums. In Springfield everything starts with sports and outdoor recreation. The rolling hills and nearby Ozarks Mountains is fertile ground for fishing, hiking, biking and camping. KANSAS CITY This city of rolling hills and beautiful scenery on the banks of the Missouri River is known for Jazz, Fountains and Barbecue. From the roaring 20s through the early 40s Jazz reigned in Kansas City. Visit the American Jazz Museum located in the 18th and Vine Historic Jazz District to learn more about Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Big Joe Turner and others who shaped this era of Jazz. Stop by the Mutual Musicians Foundation on Friday and Saturday for a late-night "Jam Session" from midnight to 6am. The Foundation is the original home of the Black Musicians' Protective Union Local 627 A.F. of M. The building is a National Historic Landmark. Also in the 18th and Vine District next door to the Jazz museum is the Negro League Baseball Museum. When it's time to get down to business, KC excels. Kansas City's Convention Center is 800,000 sq. ft. of state-of-the-art event space. The facility's Bartle Hall boasts a massive 388,800 sq. ft. of column-free floor space, making it one of the premier spots for events in downtown Kansas City. Other Convention Center features include a 46,484-sq. ft., Grand Ballroom, and the Municipal Auditorium, which incudes an Arena, Music Hall, Exhibition Hall and Little Theater. Home to the international headquarters of Hallmark Cards, Inc., the 85-acre Crown Center is another popular gathering place. The mixed-use community melds residential and office spaces with innovative shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. Crown Center Square houses live music performances, the city's only public outdoor ice skating rink and several large fountains. No place says barbecue like Kansas City with over 80 area establishments offering their special flavors on ribs, chicken, pork, sausage and fish. Airel view of downtown Minneapolis American Jazz Museum