Reverend Al Sharpton Leads the "State of Black Culture" National Dialogue and Calls for All of Us To Be Our Best Selves

CINCINNATI - July 16, 2020 - PRLog -- The National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP) will present the "State of Black Culture" on July 23, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. (EDT). Known as one of the preeminent organizations in the hospitality industry, NCBMP has curated a virtual event that will explore the lifestyle, development, and ethnology of Black communities, families, and businesses. The event will also bring together national thought leaders to educate, provoke thought as well as empower attendees to be their best selves.

"Courageous conversations like this is what our organization was built on," states Jason Dunn, Sr., Chairman of NCBMP. "Tourism plays a significant component to the growth of the nation's economic ecosystem, which in turn, impacts the economy and our culture. We believe that tourism empowers communities and culture. Our conversation on July 23rd will be rooted in empowerment as well as work to uplift, and ultimately, ignite action."

Founded in 1983, NCBMP is a non-profit organization dedicated to the training, career development, and advancement of African American meeting planners and hospitality professionals. Members of NCBMP include meeting planners from numerous businesses, civil rights, religious, and fraternal organizations, as well as those who represent hotels, convention bureaus, city government officers, airlines and other suppliers who offer services to the meeting, convention, and hospitality community. NCBMP also advocates for equity in the hospitality and travel sectors.

According to C+R Research (www.ccrsearch.com), Black culture has impacted America, from music to fashion and more, due to the fact that the Black community has displayed an innate talent to be innovative and forward-thinking. In terms of travel and hospitality, Black Americans and their culture have a sizable impact and purchasing power. A 2018 survey by Nielsen purported that African American travelers contributed $63 billion to the U.S. travel and tourism economy.

"The 'State of Black Culture' presents a unique opportunity for businesspeople, entrepreneurs, and those who wish to support the Black ecosystem to learn how they can lift our nation as a whole," states Eric Kearney, President and CEO of the African American Chamber of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

NCBMP will leverage and promote this tremendous impact by African Americans at their "State of Black Culture" event on July 23, 2020. The event's featured speakers include:

Call to Action Keynote Speaker:

• Reverend Al Sharpton, Founder, National Action Network

Panelists:

• Dr. Dina M. Bennett, Curatorial Director, National Museum of African American Music
• Bishop Neil C. Ellis, CMG, DD, DHL, PhD, Presiding Prelate, Global United Fellowship
• Dr. Melba R. Monroe, MS, CPHA, Health Commissioner, City of Cincinnati Department of Health
• Dr. Andre Perry, David M. Rubenstein Fellow, Metropolitan Policy Program, The Brookings Institution
• Evita Robinson, Founder, NOMADNESS Travel Tribe

"The National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals is committed to bringing relevant conversations to the national forefront through strategic partnerships that seek to make the hospitality industry and this nation its best self," states Marlinda A. Henry, President of NCBMP.

The "State of Black Culture" is co-presented by the African American Chamber of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. The event partners include VIBE Cincinnati, Cincy Soul, the Cincinnati Music Festival, and regmatch. For more information and to register for this free event, visit www.ncbmp.com.

ABOUT NCBMP
The National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP), founded in 1983, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the training needs of Black hospitality professionals, and those who support Black meetings and events. Since its founding, NCBMP has made a significant impact in the hospitality community by advocating for equity and helping members maximize their ROI.