Chime In Why We Must Remember the History of Black Hoteliers Stories You May Like Famed Restaurateur Recalls a Career on the Front Lines of Fine Dining As the Statler’s GM, Hotelie Doles Out Big Red Hospitality 100 Years of Hospitality Education on the Hill: Fascinating Facts My book Hidden Hospitality spotlights an era when segregation forced us to create our own networks for travel and lodging By Calvin Stovall Jr., MPS ’93 The 2018 film Green Book, starring Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali, was inspired by the true story of a 1962 tour of the Deep South by African-American pianist Don Shirley and Italian-American bouncer (and later actor) Frank “Tony Lip” Vallelonga, who served as Shirley’s driver and bodyguard. However, when the film came out, most Americans—both Black and white—were totally unfamiliar with the publication for which it was named: The Negro Motorist Green Book, a guide for Black travelers published by an African American, Victor Hugo Green, from 1936–66. The movie opened the eyes of many to a different side of hospitality and travel for African Americans: throughout the U.S.’s history of segregation, Black travelers faced not just unwelcoming environments, but the challenge of finding safe places to rest and recharge. The Jim Crow period was characterized by the key belief put forth by the historic 1896 Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson, which was the idea of “separate but equal.” However, as many of us know, this era in U.S. history embodied anything but equality in all aspects for Blacks, even when it came to travel and lodging throughout the U.S. Throughout the U.S.’s history of segregation, Black travelers faced not just unwelcoming environments, but the challenge of finding safe places to rest and recharge. These blatant acts of racism, intolerance, and segregation—starting as early as 1874—resulted in treatment and accommodations that were always inferior to those provided to white Americans. The atrocious conditions and subpar facilities fueled (or coerced) Black entrepreneurship across the nation. African-American hospitality pioneers dared to dream, and erected first-class hotels and resorts deserving of their race, despite the insurmountable odds they faced. African-American contributions to the world of hospitality are too little known, because they have been too little documented. I wrote Hidden Hospitality: Untold Stories of Black Hotel, Motel, and Resort Owners from the Pioneer Days to the Civil Rights Era to introduce readers to the histories of Black entrepreneurs and hoteliers, and uncover yet another aspect of our history too often ignored or intentionally left out of American history narratives. My research began during my studies as an MPS student in the Hotel School. It unveiled a world that is virtually unknown to most people, even those in the hospitality industry—with the primary purpose of sharing inspirational stories of these Black hospitality pioneers. In essence, I wanted to pull back the curtain and share insights into a vibrant era of Black culture, community, and hospitality—spotlighting some of the acclaimed hotel, motel, and resort pioneers of the 19th and 20th centuries, who hosted some of the period’s most famous Black celebrities, luminaries, performers, and political figures. I wanted to pull back the curtain and share insights into a vibrant era of Black culture, community, and hospitality. Stories You May Like Famed Restaurateur Recalls a Career on the Front Lines of Fine Dining As the Statler’s GM, Hotelie Doles Out Big Red Hospitality In response to the basic human need for shelter and sustenance, these courageous entrepreneurs carved out spaces within the dominant culture, creating a network of Black-owned hotels, motels, and resorts that offered comfort and safety. For me, a full-circle moment happened at the Times Center in NYC in November 2024, when I inducted the late James “Bud” Ward ’52—the first African American to graduate from the Hotel School—into the Hotelie Hall of Fame. James "Bud" Ward ’52 behind the front desk at the Hampton House hotel. Ward’s story is one of grit and determination in overcoming obstacles during an era of extreme discrimination across the U.S. He was a trailblazer who broke down barriers and refused to accept anything “less-than” based on the color of his skin. Early in his career, he served as manager of the Booker Terrace Motel (later renamed the Hampton House), among other properties in the Miami area. Unbeknownst to most, Ward paved the way for Blacks in the hospitality industry and eventually became the first African-American senior vice president of a major hotel chain—Marriott—in the U.S. Inducting Ward into the Hotelie Hall of Fame. (Today, that company still ranks among the leaders in their non-discriminatory policies and practices in hiring and promotions.) Ward will be best remembered for opening up management opportunities for people of color and women during a challenging time for Blacks in America. He was another pioneer who worked feverishly behind the scenes to ensure African Americans were treated fairly and with dignity. He made an indelible contribution to the hospitality industry—but more importantly, he will be remembered for his bravery, sacrifice, and selflessness. I hope that readers of Hidden Hospitality find these Black hospitality pioneers and their stories equally inspiring and eye-opening, and that it spurs innovation and entrepreneurship among hospitality professionals—regardless of race—and reminds them that honoring their legacy is part of building the future. Calvin Stovall Jr., MPS ’93, has had a three-decade career in hospitality and nonprofits, including serving as vice president of brand marketing for Hilton Worldwide. Based in North Carolina, he also runs Iconic Presentations, which offers workshops and motivational talks. (All images provided.) Published December 18, 2025 Leave a Comment Cancel replyOnce your comment is approved, your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Class Year Email * Save my name, email, and class year in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ Other stories You may like Alumni Engineering Alumna Rockets to Netflix Baking Competition 6 Questions For ... 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