Black History

Tourism expands from the Fort Lauderdale beaches to the Sistrunk Historic Corridor

THE WESTSIDE GAZETTE — Over 300 movers and shakers are expected to attend sessions at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel, and the organization will also stage several special events as part of the conference at the Urban League of Broward County and African American Research Library and Cultural Center, the Sistrunk area’s economic and cultural campus.

Published

7 years ago

July 16, 2019

Carma Henry

By Dr. Kitty Oliver

Over 300 movers and shakers are expected to attend sessions at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel, and the organization will also stage several special events as part of the conference at the Urban League of Broward County and African American Research Library and Cultural Center, the Sistrunk area’s economic and cultural campus.

Fifty local youth will be selected for mentoring workshops and community service activities with high-profile women of achievement in entrepreneurism, business, and professional careers.

A public forum at the Urban League on the #Me-Too issue on Tuesday, July 16, at 7:30 p.m., will bring together law enforcement representatives and individuals with federal and social science expertise and community members for a candid discussion on sex crimes and sexual harassment issues Tuesday, July 16, at 7:30 p.m. The organization will also host a public event on technology training skills for entrepreneurs from 9 a.m. to noon that day.

In the process, convention participants will also get a firsthand view of the emerging Sistrunk destination, a cultural district offering heritage tours, performance spaces, service-learning tours, and arts experiences and a center for economic development projects.

“We’ve always wanted to ensure that our communities are impacted by tourism – in education and in economics – and this is making Sistrunk part of the larger tourism story. It’s a strong initiative,” said Albert Tucker, Vice President for Multicultural Business Development with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, a partner in the events.

The convention is hosted by the Broward chapter club with the support of affiliates in the Southeast region. “Many of the participants will be visiting Fort Lauderdale for the first time,” said Bernadine Bush, chair of the local convention host committee and a Miami club member. “We hope that, in addition to enjoying the conference, we’ll develop new tourism opportunities where people will come, extend their stay, and come back.”

The Washington, D.C.-based National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs was founded in 1935 by African American business and professional women excluded from access to the mainstream networks because of racism. The 2,000-member alliance of clubs has become a major promoter of opportunities for women in a wide range of workplaces and in the home. The group also provides a bridge for young people entering businesses and professions and conducts programs in communities globally.

In addition to the group’s Historic Sistrunk experiences, the National Vocal Arts Competition, a signature convention event where young classically-trained vocalists compete for scholarships, will be held at the Westin Hotel July 17. A gala on July 20 will recognize and honor individuals in the local community.

“We want people to know that we are a valuable hub representing women who can share experiences on all levels,” said Diane Toppin, National President. “And, we look forward to learning about the area and seeing the changes to the community.”

This article originally appeared in The Westside Gazette.

Carma Henry

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Oakland Post: Week of February 18 – 24, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of – February 18 – 24, 2026

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February 20, 2026

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The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of – February 11 – 17, 2026

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COMMENTARY: The National Protest Must Be Accompanied with Our Votes

Just as Trump is gathering election data like having the FBI take all the election data in Georgia from the 2020 election, so must we organize in preparation for the coming primary season to have the right people on ballots in each Republican district, so that we can regain control of the House of Representatives and by doing so, restore the separation of powers and balance that our democracy is being deprived of.

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3 weeks ago

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Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper. File photo..

By Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper

As thousands of Americans march every week in cities across this great nation, it must be remembered that the protest without the vote is of no concern to Donald Trump and his administration.

In every city, there is a personal connection to the U.S. Congress. In too many cases, the member of Congress representing the people of that city and the congressional district in which it sits, is a Republican. It is the Republicans who are giving silent support to the destructive actions of those persons like the U.S. Attorney General, the Director of Homeland Security, and the National Intelligence Director, who are carrying out the revenge campaign of the President rather than upholding the oath of office each of them took “to Defend The Constitution of the United States.”

In California, the primary comes in June 2026. The congressional races must be a priority just as much as the local election of people has been so important in keeping ICE from acquiring facilities to build more prisons around the country.

“We the People” are winning this battle, even though it might not look like it. Each of us must get involved now, right where we are.

In this Black History month, it is important to remember that all we have accomplished in this nation has been “in spite of” and not “because of.” Frederick Douglas said, “Power concedes nothing without a struggle.”

Today, the struggle is to maintain our very institutions and history. Our strength in this struggle rests in our “collectiveness.” Our newspapers and journalists are at the greatest risk. We must not personally add to the attack by ignoring those who have been our very foundation, our Black press.

Are you spending your dollars this Black History Month with those who salute and honor contributions by supporting those who tell our stories? Remember that silence is the same as consent and support for the opposition. Where do you stand and where will your dollars go?