Press Room >> 2009 Press Releases FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Experience Black History Month in Ohio
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Feb. 4, 2009) - Through the dark days of slavery and the contentious fight against it to the Civil Rights movement and into the modern era, Ohio has been a beacon of freedom. Ohio has fostered the development of world famous musicians including Kathleen Battle and Mamie Smith; writers Paul Laurence Dunbar and Harriet Beecher Stowe; inventor Garrett Morgan; Carl B. Stokes, the country's first African-American mayor of a major city; artists Aminah Robinson and Elijah Peirce and many more.
"Ohio's rich African-American heritage makes our state a very attractive destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in black history and culture," said State Tourism Director Amir Eylon. "Since launching our multicultural marketing effort with a new campaign and enhanced multicultural Web site last year, we feel more people are aware of our offerings, but Ohio remains a lesser known getaway destination among minority travelers. That's something we hope to change by telling the stories of black Ohioans and directing travelers to where they can experience those stories in Ohio."
From station houses on the Underground Railroad to the National Underground Freedom Center and from the country's oldest African-American theater to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Ohio has an abundance of places to explore black history and culture. The African-American experience in Ohio has left an indelible footprint on the people and places that make Ohio a destination too much fun for just one day!
Following are links to a series of releases shining the light on:
Ohio's Black History in Song, Dance and Rhythm - February concerts and musical tributes including the new exhibit: MOTOWN: The Sound of Young America Turns 50 at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland.
Ohio's Black History on Stage and Screen - Events on stage and screen commemorating Black History Month.
Ohio's Underground Railroad Stations - Experience sites and stories from the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Rankin House in Ripley, First Church in Oberlin and more.
Looking for other ways to learn about Black history in Ohio? Visit www.DiscoverOhio.com and click on the "Multicultural" tab. Free Ohio Travel Planners and Ohio Calendars of Events can be ordered anytime, day or night at www.DiscoverOhio.com. Travel counselors are available at (800)-BUCKEYE to assist callers weekdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Ohio Tourism Division is the premier source of information for travelers and media about Ohio's vibrant tourism experiences, attractions, and economy. Division marketing programs contributed to an estimated $38 billion in visitor sales in 2007 and 454,000 jobs sustained by visitors to the state. A part of the Ohio Department of Development, the Division's mission is to promote and celebrate Ohio's unique travel opportunities and market the state's outstanding quality of life.
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Media Contacts:
Joyce Brown at (216) 344-9966
Tamara Brown at (614) 466-8591