Dallas Convention Bureau launches visitblackdallas.com, African-American web portal

by Shawn Williams of Dallas South

Thursday evening, the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau launched a new web portal targeting African-Americans. The event was hosted at the African-American Museum in Fair Park.

See the new web portal at www.visitblackdallas.com

DCVB President and CEO Phillip Jones said that he considers the site part of the new face of Dallas. That face showcases Dallas’ diverse citizens all working together. Mr. Jones said that he has targeted three African-American conventions that he hopes to lure to Dallas now that the convention center hotel is coming on line:

Bishop T.D. Jakes Mega Fest (South Africa ‘08)

NAACP Annual Convention (Cincinnati ‘08)

National Urban League Annual Conference (Orlando ‘08)

Also having words at the event were State Senator Royce West, and Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce President Reginald Gates. Fitzgerald Dodd, Executive Chef at One Arts Plaza’s newly opened Screen Door restaurant, prepared hors d’oeuvres for the evenings proceedings.

Sederrick Raphiel and the design factory are responsible for much of the visual presentation involved in the project. They produced an excellent booklet, much of which is also present on the website.

What I like most about how they presented African-Americans in Dallas is that all shades and colors are represented in the marketing pieces. The general media has moved away from darker skinned black folks (especially women and girls) in commercials, television shows, and movies. I was REALLY glad to see the booklet and website didn’t go that route, as evidenced by the cover image above.

Thumbs up to Mr. Jones, Kevin Owens and the entire DCVB staff.

One more teaser that came from the launch party was thrown out by African-American Museum President Dr. Harry Robinson. Dr. Robinson announced that in March 2009, the museum will host a George Washington Carver exhibit produced by Chicago’s Field Museum. I had the opportunity to experience this exhibit a couple of weeks ago and can’t wait until it arrives here in Dallas. This is a big win for Dr. Robinson, the museum, and the entire city.