have A wonderful…

Is it just us, or does it seem like mainstream ad agencies only portray Black people traveling during Black History Month, to see a plantation or for family reunions?

Are we not capable of getting in our cars for weekend jaunts to check out a local wine trail, bed & breakfasts or country inns?

Black travelers also enjoy music, hiking, boating and spas.  Our staff members look forward to getting their R.E.I. updates and reward points, just like the next person.  We don’t just travel to warm, tropical locations.  We also enjoy winter sports and cuddling by a warm fireplace.  Ever heard of the National Brotherhood of Skiers?

We’re just saying…Give us some credit.

We were out in the community a couple of days ago getting to know some of the African American business owners. Part of our day was spent in Hartford, CT. While there, we took some time to stop by the visitor center.

We wanted to get some information about businesses in the area, festivals, etc.  Boy did they have it! Postcards, flyers, pamphlets, you name it - it was there. However, from what was presented, you wouldn’t know (as a visitor) that just a few miles down the road on Albany Avenue; you’ll find a bustling mini Black Mecca of sorts.  Albany Ave is home to salons, community centers, bookstores and more Caribbean/Jamaican restaurants than one could ever enjoy in one trip!

Unfortunately, this is an example that supports the sentiments of many of Black business owners that we speak with.  We consistently hear frustrations about feeling “left out” in local and state tourism promotions.

Now, this isn’t to blame anyone for not promoting Black business.  We’re sharing this to emphasize (to the Black business owners) that it’s very much your responsibility to get out and promote your business or service.  If don’t, you can’t expect others to do it for you.  Yes, marketing can be expensive, but you need to get in front of those in charge of tourism campaigns and let them know that you’re there.

New Haven, CT is another example.  Whalley Avenue is New Haven’s version of a little Black Mecca.  What’s more interesting about New Haven is that it’s home to Yale University.  Now, one wouldn’t know it, but Yale is IN THE HEART of a Black neighborhood and Whalley Ave is the epicenter.  So every year, new students (Black students) visit the campus with friends and family and every year Black businesses are missing out on revenue that’s right there at their door.

So today, we invite and encourage Black business owners to walk over to your local chamber, office of tourism and visitor center to ask them what you need to do to get added to the pages of those glossy spreads and websites.

We found some old video from 06 today.  It’s just some video of different poets - Some local and some not.  It was shot at South Mountain Community College (SMCC) in Phoenix, Arizona.

1st a bit about the school:  SMCC is a cool (not so little) community college that sits almost at the base of South Mountain.  It’s in the heart of South Phoenix (what used to be the Black side of town, but that’s another story).  It’s been there for years.  However, over the years as new homes were built and more tax dollars came in, the school also grew.  It’s now home to an amazing state of the art performing art center and a diverse student population.

Some of the students and faculty got together and decided to pull together a slam competition and invited some well-known poets out for the event.  It ended up being a hit with the students, poets and community…just a lot of love and support.  I wish I could tell you who won, but I forget.

Many people do not know it, but Arizona has a strong spoken word community.  Many of the local spots have been holding down various open mic nights for several years. We’ll try to pull together a list of some of the most popular hot spots for the poet lovers to check out if you’re ever in Arizona.

Just another example why you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover.

Watch

Hey People!

We first want to say thank you all for your support, advice and kind words. You keep us going.

Things are going well and there is a lot of interest in this project. Unfortunately, more interest brings more work. More work for a small team is tough. A lot of juggling going on, but we manage. Undertaking such a large venture requires a lot of creativity and sacrifice but we’re confident that it’s all worth it.

As you know, the weather has been bad in different parts of the country and we had to adjust our travel calendar and move some things around. Moving one date or meeting causes a ripple and, well…you can imagine. It’s all just part of the process, so it’s good.

As we move forward, let’s send out prayers and best wishes to all who are directly dealing with this nasty weather.

Talk Soon

Connecticut: Day 1

People often ask me why Connecticut is one of my favorite states in the country.  Unfortunately for them, I don’t have just one answer (I could go on forever).  That’s because there are so many facets that make Connecticut great.

People often think Connecticut doesn’t have any African Americans, but it does (with highest concentrations in Hartford and New Haven).  Over the next couple of days, we’ll be exploring these neighborhoods and introducing you to residents and various points of interest.  Connecticut can really be a great place for a young African American family.  It’s home to great schools and communities.  Even if you’re not thinking about moving, but looking for a great place to visit, Connecticut can be an ideal destination for the African American Traveler.

Connecticut has something for almost everyone in your family or travel group.  The state has an abundance of campgrounds, beaches, rivers/creeks/lakes for the boat lovers.  For the shoppers, you can find some of the best shopping from Hartford to Greenwich.

Who knew, but there are also some great wine trails in the state.  Planning a day trip? Touring the wineries is one of the best things to do for a girls day out or for a quick romantic getaway.  Connecticut is also home to some extremely affluent communities.  So, if you’re in the market for a McMansion or just like to drive around and see how the other half live, Connecticut is the place for you!

Note:  If you’re someone who is considering relocating to the east coast (and you’re flexible), you may want to consider Connecticut.  My reasoning: New York can be intimidating and expensive to some, who still desire the energy and diversity of the city.  Well, Connecticut is sandwiched between 2 major cities (Boston and New York), and both are only a short distance and easily accessible by car, train or bus.  So you have the option to live, in CT and work and play in New York!

Other towns that may be of interest include: Stamford, Greenwich, Mystic and New London (just to name a few).  I must also mention the Merritt Parkway for the road warrior.  It’s not a town, but a long and beautiful parkway that’s a must if you’re looking for a scenic Sunday morning drive!

To: have A wonderful…TV

Photos: Connecticut Album