Our Commitment to Ending Racial Inequity and Injustice

Destination Dayton applauds the Dayton City Commissioners and the Montgomery County Commissioners for passing resolutions declaring racism a public health crisis.  We stand united with our elected officials, businesses, and citizens in working to eliminate systemic racism and social injustice.

Our community, nation, and world are in pain after witnessing the senseless killing of George Floyd and countless others.  As individuals, as an organization, as a Board, and as members of this community, we will not be silent, and we must be a part of solutions for change.

Destination Dayton has listened intently to our employees, Board members, partners, and our community as a whole.   Our organization has prided itself on aggressively working to attract multi-cultural groups to our community for events, conferences, and conventions, but we must commit to do more and do it now.

• We will be a part of the conversations to enact cultural change as it relates to racism. 

• We will be more engaged with our local education partners to ensure Black populations are exposed to employment opportunities, from introductory to senior-level, in the hospitality and tourism industry. 

• We will do more to promote Black-owned businesses in Dayton and Montgomery County. 

• We will work with our community on strategies to attract Black visitors and events to the greater Dayton region.

• We commit to developing a deeper understanding of systemic racism so that we can serve as agents of change in the fight against racial inequity and injustice.

The collective efforts of our community will bring change, but our words must lead to action.  Destination Dayton Board and its employees stand ready to be a part of that change.

In Memoriam - Honoring Greater Dayton Community African American Leaders

It is with heavy but grateful hearts that Destination Dayton recognizes the recent passing of two Greater Dayton Community African American Leaders:  Margaret Peters, and Willie Walker.  Their life works have left an indelible imprint on our community and will continue to inspire many for years to come.

Margaret Peters, a native Daytonian, scholar and educator, died on Friday, April 1, 2022. She was 86 years old. Peters was a long time Dayton Public Schools teacher and the recipient of the National Council of Negro Women, Excellence in Teaching award in 1991. She was also named a 2012 Peace Hero, by the Peace Museum in Dayton, OH. Peters authored multiple books. One of her most noteworthy books was a 1995 work entitled, “Dayton’s African American Heritage.” Ms. Peters obtained two Bachelor’s degrees and 1 Master’s degree from the University of Dayton. She influenced countless youth to achieve greatness and to be proud of their heritage.
Thank you, Ms. Peters, for your excellent example.

Willie Walker, the longtime president and chief executive of Dayton Urban League, died Saturday, April 2, 2022. He was 80 years old.  Walker retired as Dayton Urban League president and CEO in June 2008 after working for the Dayton Urban League for 23 years. Walker was a mentor to many Daytonians. He helped shape the career of adult minorities and youth in Dayton/Montgomery County through various job training and job placement programs. He was also instrumental in connecting many business executives to each other for networking opportunities.
Thank you, Mr. Walker, for your many contributions.  

Support Dayton's Black-Owned Businesses

Destination Dayton is proud to highlight the many black-owned businesses in Dayton and Montgomery County.  Discover Dayton by shopping, eating, drinking, or finding specific services at these businesses!

Black Business Blogs

Please join us in celebrating Black Businesses in Dayton!  Check out our recent blogs!

Education Resources

Destination Dayton is proud to promote our local education partners to ensure black populations are exposed to employment opportunities, from introductory to senior-level, in the hospitality and tourism industry.