Hilton Worldwide has partnered with Black Enterprise magazine to celebrate accomplished men of color during the Atlanta kickoff of the BE Modern Man event series. Featuring 100 of today’s leaders, executives, and social influencers, the BE Modern Man tour honors men of color from around the country. Honorees include men from various industries, including hospitality, technology and travel.
Acclaimed journalist Ed Gordon moderated a panel of business owners, political dynamos, and change agents of everything from wealth to leaving a legacy. This year’s honorees included actor, Laz Alonso and local Atlanta residents, Michael T. Sterling, Jason Elliott, and Xavier Peoples.
“The need for BE Modern Man is both urgent and obvious, as mainstream media persistently relegates the narrative of men of color to a limited number of dimensional personas: athletes, entertainers, victim, or perpetrator,” says Black Enterprise president and CEO Earl “Butch” Graves. “With BE Modern Man, we both challenge and change that status quo, by introducing and elevating those who represent the truth and diversity of who we are as B
lack men.”
For those interested in attending the live discussion series and networking reception, future BE Modern Man tour dates include New York City, July 12 and Washington, D.C., Sept. 13.
“With BE Modern Man, the world is able to champion the major accomplishments of men of color and celebrate the strides they have made in industries such as technology, travel and more,” says Andréa Richardson, director of multicultural and diversity marketing for Hilton Worldwide. “We see this partnership as the perfect alignment of like minds, Hilton, with our rich history as pioneers in the hospitality industry, supporting our team members, guests, and partners; and Black Enterprise, with its history as a media pioneer, supporting, spotlighting and uplifting minority businesses.”
