Keynote: Heroes and Hoteliers

Event Overview

From the bustling streets of Harlem to the vibrant neighborhoods of New Orleans, African-American entrepreneurs have woven an indelible thread into the fabric of hotel ownership across America. Against the backdrop of segregation and discrimination, pioneers like John H. Johnson and Madam C.J. Walker defied the odds, carving out spaces of luxury and hospitality for their communities. There have also been some major contributions by those not so well known, such as Tunis Gulic Campbell, an African-American politician during Reconstruction who published a first-of-its-kind book in the U.S. that provided practical information for operating a first-class hotel.

With this as a backdrop, Calvin Stovall, MPS ‘93, is preparing for the release of a coffee table-style book that will feature the hotel, motel, and resort contributions of African Americans beginning in the late 1700s up until today. It will introduce its readers to many of the unsung heroes and entrepreneurs of the hospitality industry fundamentally unknown to mainstream America.

Join Mr. Stovall and Victor Younger, the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Cornell’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration, as they have a robust conversation about Black contributions to the history of the hospitality industry. They will also look at what the future holds for minorities in the hotel and hospitality space.

What You'll Learn

A glimpse at famous hotels and resorts initially owned by minorities
Practices implemented in Black-owned hotels that are still in use today
Why some Black-owned hotels catered to predominantly white patrons
An introduction to pioneers in the hospitality industry
Famous minority hotels and what they’ve become today

Speakers

view details hide details

Calvin Stovall, MPS ‘93

CEO

ICONIC Presentations, LLC

Calvin Stovall is the Chief Experience Officer of ICONIC Presentations, LLC. He specializes in delivering dynamic customer experience and leadership keynote presentations and workshops for organizations nationwide. Mr. Stovall has nearly 30 years of experience in the hospitality and nonprofit service industries. Today, he leverages his life experiences as a business leader and his passion for Black history to engage and connect with audiences nationwide.

A native Chicagoan, Mr. Stovall began his hospitality career as a front desk clerk at the Holiday Inn City Centre. During his hospitality career as Vice President of Brand Marketing with Hilton Worldwide, he was responsible for the marketing and public relations efforts for more than 150 Homewood Suites hotels. Under his leadership, the Homewood Suites brand was recognized four times by J.D. Power and Associates. Mr. Stovall formerly served as CEO of The Soulsville Foundation, a nonprofit based in Memphis, TN. He also worked as a brand marketing strategist with ALSAC, the brand awareness and fundraising arm for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Mr. Stovall is the author of a forthcoming book tentatively titled “Hospitality Historiography: Inspiring Stories of African American Hoteliers and Industry Pioneers Who Revolutionized the Hospitality Landscape,” scheduled for an early 2025 release.

Calvin resides in Mooresville, NC, with his two teenage sons, Caden, 17, and Carson, 14.

view details hide details

Victor B. Younger

Director of Diversity & Inclusion

Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration

Victor B. Younger is the Director of Diversity & Inclusion at the Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration, SC Johnson College of Business, Cornell University. Mr. Younger’s work involves creating an engaging and inclusive environment so that faculty, staff, and students can thrive professionally, personally, and academically. His work includes creating, designing, and delivering D&I critical thinking workshops; facilitating individual and group conversations; and bringing global industry leaders to the constituents he supports.

View Keynote by completing the form below.

Gain access to this free event

Address:	950 Danby Rd.
	Suite 150
	Ithaca, NY 14850