Multicultural Travel News – News From Chickasaw Country, St. Louis, Chattanooga, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Hampton, Cleveland, NYC, Gallup and more

Chickasaw Country: Discover the “First American Culture” Destination

First Nation tourism is the antidote to cultural discovery as the pandemic continues. International borders are shut but within North America, destinations like Chickasaw Country offer glimpses into the pre-colonial cultures that first inhabited the United States. Americans can travel to their backyards, looking no further than Oklahoma, to experience this indigenous culture firsthand in respectful, responsible ways. The Chickasaw Cultural Center is the hub for demonstrations and experiences related to First American history and present-day culture, joining places like Chickasaw White House, Chickasaw National Capitol, Chickasaw Bank Museum, Chickasaw Council House Museum, and the Chokma’si Gallery in showcasing First American culture. And it’s not all old artefacts and traditional ways of life. Exhibit C Native Gallery & Gifts, Oklahoma City’s premier First American art gallery, is located in Bricktown. The gallery displays works of numerous artists from the Chickasaw and southeastern tribes, as well as artists from across Indian Country. People can currently even visit and shop at the gallery with a personalized virtual tour. Exhibit C continues the vision of raising awareness of the many cultural experiences in Oklahoma, showcasing contemporary versions of these First Nation cultures. If getting outdoor is more your speed, Chickasaw Country boasts one of only three Oklahoma parks affiliated with National Park Service, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. This beautiful oasis of water, foliage and wildlife is the perfect backdrop for all your favorite outdoor activities while keeping safe, social distance. A park favorite, amongst spotting wild Buffalo, is fishing! Year round, the various areas of the park offer fishing of all kinds for enthusiast. For more information and resources to plan your trip, visit: https://chickasawcountry.com/

Supporting and Celebrating Black Culture in St. Louis

St. Louis doesn’t just promote, but celebrates its Black-owned businesses and heritage, offering travelers more than a few experiences to support local Black entrepreneurs. Culinary experiences are an easy one. Gourmet Soul Restaurant is reinventing traditional soul food in fun, innovative ways, while places like Turn are putting a healthy spin on comfort food. Pharaohs Donuts and La Patisserie Chouquette bring the sweetness with both local favorites and fancier pastries, offering curbside orders and – in Pharohs case – the occasional free afternoon giveaway! It’s not just culinary discoveries. Hospitality icons like Central West End Bed and Breakfast allow visitors to support Black-owned accommodations. A bit of yoga The Collective or art-based mindfulness at Shine In All Shades provide unique escapes all run by Black locals. Retail therapy is still a thing, supporting local businesses like the jewelry makers on display at Diversity Gallery or the authors sold at EyeSeeMe Bookstore. Visits to the Scott Joplin House or the National Blues Museum will bring the sounds of some of the nation’s most iconic Black musicians to life. For more information and resources to plan your trip, visit: https://explorestlouis.com/

Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce Named Lorne Steedley Vice President, Diversity and Inclusive Growth

The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce named Lorne Steedley, M.S., M.A., as Vice President, Diversity and Inclusive Growth. “Lorne Steedley brings a depth of experience in economic and community development, urban studies and equity-focused collaboration in the business and philanthropic sectors to our talented Chattanooga Chamber team. Lorne will help us move our community closer to the Velocity2040 and Chattanooga Climbs vision of an inclusive economy and collaborative leadership – a community where every resident is thriving,” said Christy Gillenwater, President & CEO, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce. Velocity2040 is a community-wide visioning process that included a survey to which some 5,000 Hamilton County residents responded, expressing their dreams for the future of Chattanooga. Chattanooga Climbs is a 5-year economic and talent development strategic plan. www.chattanoogachamber.com

Celebrating Black Life in Las Vegas: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future

The Mob Museum, The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, held a special program Celebrating Black Life in Las Vegas: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future which took place Wednesday, Feb. 17 inside the Historic Courtroom on the second floor. To watch a livestream of this event, click on the “Watch” button here. African Americans have played an integral role in the development of Las Vegas since at least the 1940s. It is a rich story of painful challenges and hard-earned triumphs. This panel discussion features individuals who have lived through the highs and lows of the African-American experience in Las Vegas, as well as those who document and preserve that history for future generations. The panel discussed the HUNDRED (Historic Urban Neighborhood Design Redevelopment) Plan, the city initiative to redevelop the historic West Las Vegas neighborhood. ABOUT THE MOB MUSEUM: The Mob Museum, the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides a world-class journey through true stories—from the birth of the Mob to today’s headlines. The Mob Museum offers a provocative, contemporary look at these topics through hundreds of artifacts and immersive storylines. Numerous interactive exhibits include a Crime Lab, Firearm Training Simulator and Organized Crime Today exhibit. The Museum is also home to The Underground, a Prohibition history exhibition featuring a speakeasy and distillery sponsored by Zappos. For more information and to register, visit www.themobmuseum.org/events/.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame | It’s Been Said All Along: Voices of Rage, Hope & Empowerment

One of the newest exhibits at Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, It’s Been Said All Along: Voices of Rage, Hope & Empowerment showcases musical and visual artists that have created art as a response to unspeakable tragedy and to promote social justice. Artifacts include Aretha Franklin’s Valentino dress worn during her first appearance at Radio City Music Hall, a jumpsuit worn by James Brown and Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” lyrics. Director of Curatorial Affairs Nwaka Onwusa explained, “we want to show what the power of rock ‘n’ roll looks like in the face of segregation and racism. These artists have stood above all that and done it elegantly.” Visitors can also experience the exhibit online with a virtual exhibit walk-through and an official Spotify playlist. Virtual exhibit walk-through: https://www.rockhall.com/its-been-said-all-along

Historic Landmark For Women’s Empowerment Will Transform Into the Guild House Hotel, Luxury Boutique Accommodations In the Heart of Philadelphia

Guild House hotel, Philadelphia’s newest luxury boutique hotel, will open its doors this March in celebration of Women’s History Month. Located in the National Historic Landmark that once served as home to one of the nation’s leading women’s empowerment organizations, Guild House Hotel will honor its roots by celebrating the New Century Guild’s legacy, supporting female & minority-owned business owners and furthering the organizations’ traditions. Founded in 1882, the forward-thinking, independent female abolitionists, suffragists, artists, and writers behind The New Century Guild used this building as a hub for education, entertainment, and activism in the early 20th century. The Guild House hotel seeks to celebrate its legacy by connecting the past with the present to create an intriguing and inspiring experience for guests. This can be seen in everything from the 12 suites inspired by the iconic female leaders of the New Century Guild, and the elegant interior design to the amenities provided by women- and minority-owned businesses, and the sense of community created at the hotel intended to honor the historic traditions and women’s empowerment initiatives set forth here nearly 140 years ago. “Every aspect of the Guild House hotel tells the remarkable story of its historic past in a way that feels fresh, modern and relevant, offering guests an unforgettable experience,” said Brennan Tomasetti, co-owner of the Guild House Hotel. “We’re proud of our connection to these women and the passion for social progress, justice and equity that the New Century Guild embodied for more than a century. We strive to honor their legacy by nurturing our own inclusive, inspiring community.” To learn more about the Guild House hotel, visit their website at guildhousehotel.com, or on social media @guildhousehotel on Instagram or Facebook.

Exhibits and events at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis

A current exhibition, the first rotation of Powerful Women: Contemporary Art from the Eiteljorg Collection, is open now until March 21. It features contemporary art by Native American women contemporary artists. A second rotation of Powerful Women opens April 18 and will continue through Oct. 3, 2021. It will feature contemporary art by a diverse group of women contemporary artists, including Native American, African American, Latino, Asian American and European American women artists. The exhibition is included with regular Eiteljorg admission. For ticket information, visit www.eiteljorg.org/visit or call 317-636-WEST.

Tourism Diversity Matters Launches to Inspire and Create Change for Tourism and Events Industry

Elliott Ferguson, Chairman of the Board for Tourism Diversity Matters (TDM) and President and CEO, Destination DC, and Mike Gamble, TDM’s Founder and President and CEO of SearchWide Global announced the collective impact model to inspire authenticity and inclusive leadership throughout the tourism and events industry. TDM’s mission is to be a resource to foster diversity, equity and inclusion practices that will educate, advocate, engage and empower in collaboration and cooperation with all industry initiatives. Founding partners include ConferenceDirect Foundation, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), and SearchWide Global. Ferguson, one of the few Black leaders in destination marketing has been a long-time advocate for repairing diversity deficiencies and misrepresentations in the corporate environment. “Addressing racism should impact how you lead – it’s an American issue,” said Ferguson. TDM’s four guiding pillars include Apprenticeship Programs; Workforce Development; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and Research and Data. The goal is to sustain and expand the platform by collaborating with associated organizations and industries and notable research institutions to develop impactful solutions for all involved. Greg DeShields, CDE, CHE, a respected leader on behalf of DEI and regarded for initiatives to raise Philadelphia’s image as a multicultural visitor destination, has been named Executive Director. In addition to this new leadership role, he will continue to lead PHL Diversity, a division of PHLCVB. About Tourism Diversity Matters Tourism Diversity Matters (TDM) is a 501 C (6) founded as the collaborative leader of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and concepts that can address the blind spots of ethnic disparities and provide decision-makers in the tourism industry access, resources, and tactics to develop more effective Diversity & Inclusion strategies that will engage and retain a diverse workforce. At TDM, we focus on four primary pillars of activity to benefit the Tourism Industry: Apprenticeships, Workforce Development, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Research and Data. TDM’s goal is to sustain and expand our platform by affiliating with fellow industry partners and notable research institutions, creating solutions that can be implemented, contributing to organizational success. Follow TDM @TDM_Matters on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

NYC & Company Appoints Rondel Holder Senior Director of Multicultural Content

NYC & Company, the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City, announced that Rondel Holder has joined the organization as Senior Director of Multicultural Content. In his new role, Holder will be responsible for creating content with a focus on New York City’s cultural diversity and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities. As a senior member of NYC & Company’s Creative/Content Group, he will create content for the organization’s channels including nycgo.com, and develop collaborations with diverse voices and content partners who authentically speak to New York City’s many cultures. “With more than a decade of expertise in storytelling and content creation, and his passion for championing Black travelers and multicultural communities, he will be a terrific addition to our team and we look forward to working with him to develop dynamic five-borough content that will inspire locals and visitors alike,” said Nancy Mammana, Chief Marketing Officer, NYC & Company. “As a New York City native, from and residing in Flatbush, Brooklyn, it’s an honor and privilege to represent my hometown in this role. I’m elated to join the NYC & Company team to further spotlight multicultural stories, experiences and opportunities throughout all five boroughs. To amplify and advocate for the countless diverse communities that are an integral part of NYC culture is in perfect alignment with who I am and what I represent,” said Rondel Holder, Senior Director of Multicultural Content, NYC & Company. For more information about New York City, visit nycgo.com.

Celebrate Black History Month with Hampton’s 400 Years Forward Driving Tour

Celebrate Black History Month by taking a driving tour that highlights Hampton, Virginia’s more than 400 years of rich African American history.  The 400 Years Forward Driving Tour explores heritage sites including Fort Monroe National Monument, Emancipation Oak, Aberdeen Gardens, Little England Chapel, Tucker Family Cemetery, and the Hampton History Museum. Begin your driving tour by calling ahead to reserve a visit at Hampton History Museum. Learn about Hampton history and contributions of African Americans in Hampton. After taking a trip through 400 years of history, travel to Fort Monroe, the largest stone fort in the United States. At Fort Monroe begin your tour at the First Africans in Virginia Historical Marker. It was at this spot in 1619 that the first Africans in English North America landed at Old Point Comfort. Next on your driving tour is the Emancipation Oak at Hampton University. A living symbol of freedom for African Americans, the first Southern reading of the Emancipation Proclamation was under this Oak in 1863. Designated as one of the “10 Great Trees of the World” by the National Geographic Society, this oak is 98 feet in diameter, and continues to be a source of inspiration and freedom for all. After taking in the beauty and significance of Emancipation Oak drive to Little England Chapel. Built in 1879, this is Virginia’s only known African American missionary chapel. Your next stop will take you to the Tucker Family Cemetery. One of the oldest black cemeteries in Hampton, it is the resting place for generations of the William Tucker Family. William Tucker, the first recorded baby of African descent born to be baptized in English North America. Finally, conclude your driving tour with a visit to Aberdeen Gardens. This historic neighborhood was built for “Blacks by Blacks” in 1935 as part of the New Deal Settlement. Out of the 55 New Deal communities proposed and constructed at the time, Aberdeen Gardens was the only Resettlement Administration community for Blacks in Virginia. Listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register, this iconic neighborhood is also on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum is currently closed for renovations, however, there are historical markers in the backyard to learn more about the neighborhood’s heritage and original residents. Hampton is the site of America’s first continuous English-speaking settlement, the site of the first arrival of Africans in English North America, and is home to such visitor attractions as the Virginia Air & Space Center, Fort Monroe National Monument, Hampton History Museum, harbor tours and cruises, Hampton University Museum, The American Theatre, among others.

Gathering of Nations Pow Wow, April 23 & 24, 2021, a virtual online festival

The Gathering of Nations Limited announces the dates for the 2021 Gathering of Nations Pow Wow scheduled for April 23 & 24, 2021, a virtual online festival. Featured will be Live zoom competition Native dancing in various dance categories and styles, The Virtual Indian Traders Market, Miss Indian World Presentation, Special Guest, Live and Prerecorded interviews, insider looks behind the scenes of Gatherings of Nations, replays of exciting special dance contest. Concluding both days will feature classic music performances from Stage 49 and the GON – ZOOM Dance Party. A gallery like photo display will be presented in Albuquerque on digital billboards throughout the city, April 19 -25. A particular moment will take place on Saturday April 24, 2021 with a memorial to those lost to the Corona Virus Pandemic. The online virtual Zoom Powwow will begin each day, April 23 & 24, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Mountain Time. The event is open to all.  More information can be found here: https://www.gatheringofnations.com/

Las Vegas Rings in the Year of the Ox

Celebrates Chinese New Year with Special Experiences, Décor and Culinary Offerings

Las Vegas commemorates the Chinese New Year with an array of decadent culinary offerings, breathtaking décor and lively experiences for visitors throughout February. The ox is the second animal in the Chinese zodiac and is known as intelligent, honest, and reliable. Remembering the significance of the sacred Spring Festival, Las Vegas will extend good fortune and prosperity to all who revel in the destination’s cultural festivities.

• Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens celebrates the Year of the Ox with a captivating “A Season of Love” Lunar New Year display open through Saturday, March 6.
• To commemorate the Year of the Ox, Fremont Street Experience is celebrating celebrate Chinese New Year with a special Viva Vision light and sound show.
• To commemorate the Year of the Ox, The Venetian and The Palazzo’s floral and horticulture team worked with artisans to create the custom display, which stands 13 feet tall and is surrounded by I Ching coins displaying the symbols for prosperity, good health, happiness, and luck.
• Wynn Las Vegas will welcome guests into the resort with golden dragon statues at the Tower Suites entrance, as well as several ornate 45-foot silk dragons adorning the main atrium and Encore Esplanade. Offering more good fortune to guests, 60 citrus trees will be placed throughout the resort.
• SAHARA Las Vegas is coming into 2021 strong like an ox with a special Chinese New Year menu at Northside Café & Chinese Kitchen, created by renowned Chef Guoming “Sam” Xin.
• Additional authentic Chinese and Chinese-inspired restaurants in Las Vegas include: Beijing Noodle No. 9 at Caesars Palace, Blossom at ARIA Resort & Casino, China Poblano by José Andrés at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Din Tai Fung at ARIA Resort & Casino, Hong Kong Café at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, Lucky 88 at Paris Las Vegas, MR CHOW at Caesars Palace, Red 8 at Wynn Las Vegas, Red Lotus Asian Kitchen at Tropicana Las Vegas, Red Plate at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Wazuzu at Wynn Las Vegas, Wing Lei at Wynn Las Vegas

For more information, go to www.lvcva.com, www.visitlasvegas.com.

About This Newsletter

Multicultural Travel News newsletter (MTN) covers travel news of interest to ethnic and niche travelers and those who market to them. We write about destinations that interest multicultural travelers or have outreach campaigns to travelers of Hispanic, African American, Asian American and other cultural backgrounds; women; LGBT travelers and people with disabilities.

Multicultural Travel News is also written for leisure and business travelers looking for what to see and do and for marketing executives interested in ideas, best practices and the business case for targeting so-called “minority” travelers. We cover cities and countries, hotels, airlines, cruise lines, convention and visitor bureaus, tour operators and other travel marketers with a multicultural angle. Multicultural Travel News is written and edited by Lisa Skriloff.

Multicultural Travel News is published by Multicultural Marketing Resources, Inc. (MMR). To view past editions click here.

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