W.I.T.H. Resources & Relationships FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH!

LET’S CELEBRATE AND SUPPORT
BLACK WOMEN MAKING HISTORY IN AMERICA

Black History Month has been officially recognized since 1976.  It allows us to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history. 

I was thinking about the work of the Black Women in business, but first I want to give honor to and celebrate two standout women in the political arena as the first blacks to hold these positions:

  - Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States, and

- San Diego’s own Dr. Shirley Weber, Secretary of State, recently sworn in by Governor
Newsome; former State Assemblymember of the 79th District of California and past professor at San Diego State University.

These two phenomenal women made and are making history for America and African American women. 

Black women are thriving in business today.  The Story Exchange puts the spotlight on 12 Black female entrepreneurs who are true examples of resilience. They report the good news that
“Black women are starting up businesses at higher rates than any other demographic group.  The 2012 Survey of Business Owners published by the U.S. Census Bureau shows that black women ran 1.5 million firms in the 5-year stretch it monitored. This accounted for 60 percent of all black-owned ventures and 29 percent of women-run firms in existence during that time.

Additional research also revealed the reason: These entrepreneurs sought to forge professional pathways free of discrimination — to open doors not only for themselves but others as well.

Our history is rich with strong black women who changed lives in the United States:  Underground Railroad conductor Harriett Tubman, Civil Rights icon Rosa Parks, Poet Maya Angelou, and many more that you can read about in Teen Vogue’s article Black Women In History.  We honor these women for their courageous leadership and contributions to our nation.  We also want to support their businesses and each other. 

Women in Tourism and Hospitality (W.I.T.H.), International is doing our part by being an advocate, and resource for inclusion and diversity to recognize and support women of color in the hospitality and tourism industry. What about you?

Come celebrate, work, learn, and grow WITH us at the WITH Conference September 23-24, 2021 at the Four Points by Sheraton San Diego, California.

Warmest regards,

Clara

P.S. Watch your distance, wear a mask, wash your hands - Stay safe!!.