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Civil rights activists say large Black crowds prompted spring break restrictions in Miami

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MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) – Miami Beach is attempting to scrap spring break, however it’s not yet clear whether spring break will adopt the suggestion.

After three consecutive years of spring break violence, Miami Beach officials are implementing months-long safety measures to curb the chaos, including parking restrictions for non-residents and shutting sidewalk cafes on busy weekends. The city warned visitors to expect curfews, beach bag searches, early beach closures, DUI checkpoints and arrests for drug possession and violence.

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But business owners in the world-famous South Beach neighborhood now fear losing money during one among the busiest times of the 12 months, and civil rights activists say the restrictions are an overreaction to large Black crowds.

City of Miami Beach police and law enforcement officers patrol Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, Florida. Miami Beach officials have announced a series of measures to discourage nonresidents from coming there in March, and civil rights activists say the restrictions are an overreaction to large crowds of Black people. (Photo: Lynne Sladky/AP, file)

Many of the town’s restrictions are usually not recent, but in past years they were introduced as emergency measures during an unofficial holiday, somewhat than measures implemented in advance.

“The status quo and what we have seen over the last few years is simply unacceptable and intolerable,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner.

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Meiner said despite the police presence, the group couldn’t be controlled. He said the town, which is positioned on a barrier island across the bay from Miami, can only hold so many individuals, and that capability often exceeds safety for each visitors and residents through the break.

Most spring break attractions focus on a 10-block stretch of Ocean Drive, known for its art deco hotels, restaurants and nightclubs.

David Wallack, owner of Mango’s Tropical Cafe, said Miami Beach has all the time thrived on celebration, and the limited access for tourists will turn the bustling, eclectic city right into a retirement community.

“I think we need to create something big, another big thing in March, because March fell off the cliff,” Wallack said.

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Wallack and others have proposed holding a large music festival through the third week of spring break – when aimless and unruly crowds often reach their peak – with the hope that participants will disperse the loitering crowd.

Meiner said the town has spent tens of millions of dollars on concert events and other events in the past, which has done little to alleviate violence. He said businesses suffer when violent mobs gather along Ocean Drive force them to shut, and added that the people who find themselves the fundamental causes of the issues don’t spend money in the town anyway.

“They don’t stay in hotels,” Meiner said. “They don’t visit our businesses.”

Some civil rights activists, nonetheless, consider the restrictions are racially motivated.

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South Beach became popular with black tourists about twenty years ago when organizers held Urban Beach Week over Memorial Day weekend. Many residents complained of violence and other crimes related to the event, which led to an increased police presence. However, the event’s continued popularity correlates with a rise in black tourism all year long.

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Stephen Hunter Johnson, an attorney and member of Miami-Dade’s Black Advisory Council, said city officials are reacting so harshly because most of the visitors are black.

“Everyone likes the idea that they are free from government interference,” Johnson said. “But surprisingly, if the government interferes with black people, everyone is OK with it.”

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The mayor of Miami Beach rejects the notion that the town’s actions have anything to do with race.

“I have a moral obligation to keep people safe, and right now it’s not safe,” Meiner said.

In the Florida Panhandle, Panama City Beach, a longtime spring break destination, has seen an identical spike in violent crime, but Police Chief Eusebio Talamantez attributes it to people having fun with the outside, not actual college students on spring break.

“When you think about spring break, you might think about vacation, school break, maybe fistfights and keg stands,” Talamantez said. “It evolved into shootings, mass riots, rapes and murders.”

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Violence in Panama City Beach got here to a head in 2015 when seven people were injured in a shooting at a house party. The city then banned alcohol consumption on the beach and suppressed prohibited events, amongst other things. Local businesses sued the town later that 12 months, claiming the brand new rules unfairly targeted events popular with black visitors, however the suit was dropped a number of months later.

Talamantez said the measures were somewhat effective, but a significant hurricane in late 2018 and COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 disrupted the town’s ability to administer crowds after pandemic restrictions were lifted, resulting in a resurgence violence.

However, renewed crackdowns in 2023 led to a 44% reduction in crime, and the town is introducing similar policies this 12 months. Talamantez said he doubts anything Miami Beach does will likely be more stringent than enforcement measures in Panama City Beach.

“We are simply trying to create an environment where it is said loud and clear, in big, bold letters, that we are a law and order municipality,” Talamantez said. “And law and order doesn’t disappear just because you’re on spring break.”

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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com

Travel

The USA Black Travellers is now represented by the $ 145 billion market

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American Airlines, kidnapping, travel, travelers, airline


Companies in the travel and entertainment industry are encouraged to involve the growing power of black travelers.

New MMGY Travel Intelligence studies, presented in cooperation with Black Travel Alliance and National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, revealed The indisputable fact that black tourists bring the $ 145 billion sector, emphasizing the value of attraction of a more diverse customer base.

In recent years, Black Leisure Travellers exerted an excellent impact on the travel market, bringing $ 145 billion in 2023, and expenses provide for a median of $ 2,992 for a journey in 2025, including 1300 USD per person.

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“The data shown in these reports talk about the importance of black travelers,” said Martyque Lewis, president Black Travel Alliance. “It is also the wake of many destinations that consider adapting their current commitment strategy.”

In particular, 76% of black travelers plan to vacation in the US in 2025. Among them, 79% claims that the sense of security and welcome is the highest priority when selecting a destination. Places that remember black culture support black firms and offer extensive cultural experience, occupy the highest amongst the preferred places of travelers.

Elections vary depending on the generation, and the Black Millennium tends to decide on travel places that remember black culture and lift black firms, while genes with the I boomer travelers prioritize prioritize affordability when making decisions about booking.

“Once again, the data is clear: blacks travel and our shopping force affects the community,” said Jason Dunn, CEO of the National Coalition of Black Meetings of Professionals. “This should not be a question anymore, but the fact and point of speaking in all conference rooms, especially in this climate of indecision.”

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Black travelers often depend on recommendations from family and friends when selecting destinations, and 46% also belong to black travel groups. They also prioritize quality, and 87% claims that able to pay additional premium improvements, resembling higher hotel stays or preferred air seats.

The discoveries emphasize the significant strength of the spending of black travelers and their concentrate on safety and luxury when selecting destinations. Because holiday travel is becoming more related to general mood, many settle on a greater experience. For firms on travel and entertainment, this is the foremost opportunity to benefit from the growing value of the black travel market.

“Creating memories, relaxing and exploring new destinations, while a sense of security is the most important for today’s black travelers,” said Simon Moriarty, vp for research and evaluation for MMGY Travel Intelligence.

“By offering useful observations, these research enables traveling companies to develop adapted strategies and solutions that resonate with the needs of every audience, propelling both personalization and profitability.”

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This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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For the first time in Portugal? This is why Lisbon – and this hotel – should be your first stop

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If you visit Portugal for the first time and land in Lisbon, the capital of the country, selecting the right hotel is the key to starting things on the right foot. Lisbon (or Lisboa, as the locals call it) is the vibrant Vibey metropolis, which borders on water and has seven large hills in the heart of motion.

While quite a few accommodation options ranges from Airbnbs to super low-cost hostels, for those who are in search of peace, selecting a hotel is a really solid alternative. Of all hotels in the city, International design hotel (IDH), 4 -star boutique property in the city with “Clean and protected“The assessment from the Portugal of the Tourist Council is a particular.

Location, location, location
Located in the heart of the historical Squarea Rossio (Alias ​​Plaza D. Pedro IV), Idh sits at the center of the motion, surrounded by stunning vintage buildings with modern stores akin to Nike, Mango and Maxmanar right on the street. Zara, a favourite of American travelers, is situated opposite the entrance from the hotel, if it’s essential run a captivating outfit for the evening in the city.

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If you do not know Lisbon and get nervous about discovering, be sure – there are numerous to see just a number of steps.

The hotel is situated on the corner of the energetic cobbled streets, with one closed strip for cars and full of restaurants, souvenir shops and landmarks like Arco Da Rua August. Other districts, akin to Chiado, Bairro Alto and the famous Castle of St. George’s, are easy to succeed in (and in the case of the castle, in response to your opinion).

If you haven’t any guide or map, for those who haven’t got it – you are in the middle of all of it.

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Comfort and creative design
As the name suggests, the Internacional Design Hotel provides aesthetics. The staff greets you with a sublime emerald lobby desk, with brilliant artworks.

Despite the historical external appearance, the hotel offers a modern boutique atmosphere – unlike massive hotel chains. Instead of a crowded lobby and elevators, expect one stylish elevator that comfortably matches three people.

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The rooms are artistic and well equipped with a regular layout, desk, television, mini-bar and high ceilings. The bathrooms are modern, containing full showers. We stopped in a regular room, but for those who need extra space, the apartments can be found and have great grades.

Editor’s attention: Unlike most American hotels, mini-bar prices were surprisingly reasonably priced. Snacks and drinks don’t send the account.

Another profit? Large bathing towels and hand towels (as a substitute of small common washers in American hotels). If you favor a smaller fabric, ask the reception or bring your own.

Tasty brunch at the bottom
Idh functions, restaurant and bar on the first floor with a delicious breakfast spread at the start of the day. The price is an especially reasonably priced price 15 euros.

In an actual Portuguese way of baking, they shine. Expect mini -tubes, croissants, toast, rolls, cupcakes, apple danks and beloved pastel de Nata (Portuguese egg tarts). You will copy, sweet and light-it is a necessity and present wherever you go in Portugal.

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The menu also includes eggs, bacon (note: more like a skinny, fried ham than American bacon), cereal flakes, milk, juices, tea and espresso.

Glass partitions provide a full view of the street while eating-ideal for individuals who follow people (and a friendly nod from other black travelers passing like us).

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Modern convenience in a historic city
Do you wish a contact solution at midnight? We tried it and Uber Eats delivered it in lower than 20 minutes. This is the central IDH.

When it was time to go to the airport, Ubers and taxis were also available outside, and we arrived at the airport in Lisbon in about 20 minutes.

Wi-Fi reliably operated from the lobby, and nearby stores offered European adapters for American chargers.

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Even if the city seems latest as a traveler, the hotel offers comfort, ease and sense of home.

The charm of the Old World is met with a living history
There is something transport in Square Idh. Although America may be known “Nowy Świat”, Lisbon history layers are inconceivable to disregard.

After the destructive earthquake, Tsunami and Fire hit the city in at some point in 1755, Lisbon needed to rebuild – and it did so beautifully.

The surrounding architecture is each elegant and neat, and the reminders of the colonial past of Portugal contained in statues for previous rulers and explorers invite reflection and real learning.

Because the city was built on seven hills, Lisbon is really a city stuffed with winding alleys, hand -arranged tiles and breathtaking views. This makes your stay in the Internet Design Hotel is rather more attractive since you don’t need a automotive or expensive transport to maneuver and see what the capital of Portugal has to supply.

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5 things I learned about traveling with children to foreign lands

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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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American Airlines under the fire after Black Passnger claims that she was the only one in the first grade, the food was refused

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American Airlines, TikTok, First Class, Discrimination, passenger,


American Airlines is in the face of the heat after a black thicker claimed that she was the only first -rate passenger that denies food.

The influencer whose account name is @johbidoo_official shared her story with Tiktok. The film showed a particularly empty table of one that normally had the first class of amenities. The clip quickly gained over 4.8 million views and caused others to discuss the racism they encountered from the airline.

“When you are the only black person in the first grade, and the food apparently ended … Well, thank you American Airlines,” she wrote in the film.

According to the creator of the content of the lifestyle, the flight attendant expressed that the plane There was no food. However, taking into consideration the price point for a first -class ticket, many found this problem unacceptable, he informed.

“First class and exhaustion should not even be in the same sentence,” said one of the users of Tiktok.

Other commentators noticed how airlines normally follow passengers to supply enough food. This insistence meant that the authenticity of the flight attendant claim is questioned, telling the problem to report the problem to the thistker.

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“I work with such a service for another airline and I can guarantee that there will be food. Report it !!!” He called one other.

Other thickets have drawn detailed details about their very own experience in the first grade traveling, while black. One woman shared how she received a grimy appearance when observers believed that she was in the fallacious line.

“I flew the first class and I was the only black woman there,” explained the commentator. “They assumed that I was in the wrong line. I looked all the time. It was wild.”

American Airlines had earlier problems with racist treatment reported by passengers. The airline is currently in the face of the trial after its employees accused the black man of trading their white wife.

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The airline recently resolved the case for racial discrimination in December 2024 after three black men accused their flight attendants of improper removal of them from the plane in January this 12 months. In the light of a long-lasting problem, raised since 2017, NAACP he cried American Airlines to answer ongoing allegations of racism.

In relation to this last attack of the alleged racism, American Airlines also made a public statement confirming that they contacted the thicketker about her experience.

“We want all our clients to have a positive experience while traveling with us,” said the airline. “We contacted the client to learn more about their experience.”

The thicker also confirmed that he’s in communication with the airline in this matter.

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This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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