These first few weeks of June have opened yet another door. What we do with the opportunity may define us.
The conversations about race in the DMO space have been challenging, yet respectful. I'm sure that the US Travel webinar opened eyes and the latest episode of the DMOU podcast hopefully suggested some next steps.
But, the open letter from the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals? Shit just got real, babies.
In the missive, Chairman Jason Dunn outlined the genesis story of the organization: In 1983, our founders assembled, organized and created a platform that spoke to the inequities, disparities and exclusion of African Americans within the industry before the word "diversity" was popular.
He also said this: Over the last few weeks, our country has come face to face with the ugliness of racism, police brutality and semantic injustice. Demonstrations, peaceful protests and civil unrest have taken place in ALL 50 states and around the World. The NCBMP Board, members and partners applaud the hospitality and events industry associations and corporations issuing statements to their employees, constituents and customers denouncing racism and injustice of any kind in their organizations and throughout society. While NCBMP applauds organizations and companies that have taken a stance and are standing in solidarity. We have also kept note of those who have remained silent. Your silence is loud and deafening.
And then this: We do business with our friends and one's silence jeopardizes our relationship.
I know that some may view this as a threat; something just short of a boycott. And, we all believe boycotts do serious harm to our industry. But please take a step back and view this for what it is. A statement with which we all can agree...we do business with our friends.
For every DMO out there...it's time to be that friend.
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