Black History in Hotel Ownership & Hospitaliy: The Rise of African American Hoteliers

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The history of African Americans in hospitality is a profound narrative of resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurship. From the early trailblazers who provided safe harbor for travelers during the Jim Crow era to the modern rise of African American hotel owners leading global brands, this journey reflects a significant chapter of American progress. By exploring Black history in hospitality and hotel ownership, we uncover the stories of pioneers who transformed the service industry into a platform for economic empowerment. This guide examines that evolution from the past to the present, honoring the legacy of those who turned a vision of service into a powerhouse of hotel ownership.

The History of African Americans in Hospitality: Past to Present

Rachael Pringle Polgreen

Born into slavery around 1753, she became the first woman of color to own a tavern-hotel, the Royal Navy Hotel in Bridgetown, Barbados, during the late 18th century. Polgreen established the Royal Navy Hotel in Bridgetown, a bold enterprise that served as both a hotel and a brothel catering to British naval officers and other affluent patrons. Her establishment became renowned, attracting high-profile guests, including Prince William Henry, the future King William IV. Polgreen’s business acumen and strategic alliances propelled her to prominence, making her one of the first women of color to own such an establishment in Barbados. By the time of her death on July 23, 1791, Polgreen had amassed considerable wealth, including ownership of multiple properties and at least 19 slaves. In her will, written just two days before her passing, she granted freedom to six of her enslaved individuals, while others were bequeathed to those she had freed. The Royal Navy Hotel remained standing until it was burned down in 1821.

Tunis G. Campbell: Pioneer of Black Hospitality and Political Leadership

Tunis Gulic Campbell (1812–1891) was a trailblazing African American figure whose contributions spanned hospitality, education, and politics. Born free in Middlebrook, New Jersey, Campbell was one of ten children in a family led by his father, John Campbell, a blacksmith. At the age of five, he was enrolled in an all-white Episcopal school in Babylon, New York, where he received an education that was rare for African Americans at the time.

Innovator in Hotel Management

Between 1832 and 1845, Campbell honed his skills in the hospitality industry in New York City, culminating in his role as the principal waiter at the Howard Hotel. There, he developed a systematic approach to dining service, emphasizing efficiency and elegance. In 1848, he published Hotel Keepers, Head Waiters, and Housekeepers’ Guide, the first book of its kind in America. This manual detailed his innovative methods, including a system of signals for waitstaff to coordinate service seamlessly. Initially met with skepticism, his techniques eventually gained recognition, with testimonials from hotel proprietors attesting to their effectiveness.

Champion for African American Advancement

Beyond hospitality, Campbell was deeply committed to uplifting African Americans. He established schools for Black children in New York and New Jersey and was active in the abolitionist movement. During the Civil War, he was commissioned to assist freed slaves in South Carolina and later played a pivotal role in resettling freed Black residents on Georgia’s Sea Islands.

In the Reconstruction era, Campbell emerged as a significant political leader in Georgia. He served as a voter registration organizer, Justice of the Peace, delegate to the Georgia Constitutional Convention of 1867–1868, and as a Georgia state senator. His efforts were instrumental in advocating for the rights and welfare of African Americans during a tumultuous period in American history .

Legacy and Recognition

Campbell’s multifaceted contributions have left an indelible mark on American history. In recognition of his achievements, the Georgia Historical Society unveiled a historical marker in Darien, Georgia, in June 2024, honoring his life and political career .

Tunis Gulic Campbell was a free African American who became a political leader, educator, and hotel operator. Before the Civil War, he managed hotels in the North, including in New Jersey and New York. In 1848, he authored a hotel management guide, making him one of the first African Americans to document hospitality operations in print. His post-war leadership in Georgia also included community building and property development, embodying early Black excellence in hospitality and governance. On Rev. Tunis Gulic Campbell Sr., called “the oldest and best known clergyman in the African Methodist Church”, served as a voter registration organizer, Justice of the Peace, a delegate to the Georgia Constitutional Convention of 1867–1868, and as a Georgia state senator during the Reconstruction era-Wikipedia. On June 20, 2024, the Georgia Historical Society (GHS) unveiled a new historical marker about Tunis G. Campbell (1812-1891) in Darien in partnership with the Lower Altamaha Historical Society and the City of Darien. The marker details Campbell’s life and political career, including how he became one of the highest-ranking, most influential African-American politicians in 19th-century Georgia.

James Wormley: The First African American Hotelier

James Wormley is widely regarded as the first African American hotel owner in U.S. history. In 1869, he opened The Wormley Hotel in Washington, D.C., a five-story hotel and restaurant on the southwest corner of 15th and H Streets NW, strategically catering to government officials and politicians. The hotel gained prominence as the site of the historic Wormley Agreement, a political deal that influenced the end of Reconstruction. The Wormley family operated the hotel at 1500 H Street until the 1890s when it changed ownership and was eventually renamed. Wormley was known for his business acumen and gained a reputation for high-quality service at his hotel. Beyond his hotel business, Wormley was active in the Washington D.C community, including campaigning for funding for the city’s first public schools for African Americans.

The Jim Crow Era and the Rise of Black-Owned Hotels

During the Jim Crow era, African American travelers faced discrimination across the country. The ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) reinforced the doctrine of “separate but equal,” but in reality, Black Americans were denied access to quality accommodations. Most downtown hotels prohibited African Americans, regardless of their economic status or location. For instance, the iconic Hotel Theresa in Harlem, New York, did not welcome Black guests until 1940—nearly three decades after opening.

These systemic exclusions led to the rise of Black entrepreneurship in the hospitality industry. African American hoteliers established first-class accommodations that provided a dignified travel experience for Black travelers. These establishments served as safe havens where Black guests could enjoy world-class hospitality without discrimination.

The Great Migration and the Expansion of Black Hospitality

Between the early 1900s and the 1960s, the Great Migration saw over six million African Americans move from the rural South to urban centers in the North, Midwest, and West. This migration created new opportunities for Black-owned hotels, especially in areas with growing Black populations. Businesses flourished in cities like Chicago, Detroit, and New York, where Black travelers sought more opportunities for a better life.

The “Waldorf of Harlem”: Hotel Theresa, Harlem, NYC

Constructed in 1913 at 2090 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard, the Hotel Theresa originally operated as a whites-only property. That changed in 1940, when Black entrepreneur Love B. Woods purchased the 13-story building and reimagined it as a 300-room luxury hotel at the corner of 125th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard.

Under Woods’ ownership, the Theresa integrated its staff and leadership team and quickly rose to prominence as Harlem’s most distinguished hotel—earning the moniker “The Waldorf of Harlem.”

Why It Mattered

• Offered upscale accommodations for Black travelers during segregation
• Welcomed prominent figures such as Malcolm X, heavyweight champion Joe Louis, and international leaders including Fidel Castro
• Became a central gathering place for political organizing during the Civil Rights Movement
• In 1964, Malcolm X established the headquarters of the Organization of Afro-American Unity within the hotel

When Fidel Castro chose to stay at the Theresa during his 1960 visit to New York, the hotel gained worldwide attention, cementing its status as a powerful symbol of Harlem’s cultural and political influence.

As segregation in Midtown hotels gradually diminished and mainstream establishments began welcoming Black guests, the demand for separate Black-owned lodging declined. In 1971, the Hotel Theresa transitioned into office space—later known as Theresa Towers. In 2005, the building was officially recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving its legacy as one of Harlem’s most significant historic landmarks.

Learn more about: The History of African American Hotel Ownership in Harlem, NYC

Hotel Olga: A Harlem Renaissance Haven

Opened in 1920 by African American entrepreneur Edward “Ed” H. Wilson, Hotel Olga occupied the corner of West 145th Street and Lenox Avenue. Though more modest in scale than the Hotel Theresa, this three-story Black-owned “luxury” hotel became a cornerstone of Harlem’s social and cultural life during the Harlem Renaissance. During the Jim Crow era, it served as a vital refuge for Black travelers and was proudly listed in the Negro Motorist Green Book as a safe, welcoming, and dignified place to stay.

Its Role in Harlem’s Golden Era

• Provided quality accommodations for Black travelers at a time of widespread exclusion
• Welcomed artists, musicians, and writers connected to Harlem’s flourishing cultural movement
• Served as an essential stop along the informal “Chitlin’ Circuit,” offering reliable lodging for touring Black entertainers

Notable Guests

• Louis Armstrong — Lived at the Olga for nearly a decade in the 1930s
• Bessie Smith — The “Empress of the Blues,” who stayed at the hotel in 1927
• Joe Louis — Used the hotel as an unofficial headquarters during major heavyweight title bouts
• Satchel Paige — Stayed while being scouted and celebrated by Major League baseball legends

Beyond its guest list, Hotel Olga functioned as a true community hub. It provided space for Black physicians, attorneys, and business leaders to gather and organize. Civil rights organizations, including the NAACP, met within its walls. Its social club became a cultural epicenter, hosting performances by jazz greats such as Billie Holiday and Dizzy Gillespie.

Hotels like the Olga were more than lodging—they were essential infrastructure. They enabled safe travel, fostered professional networks, and sustained the cultural momentum that defined Harlem’s Golden Era.

Learn more about: The History of African American Hotel Ownership in Harlem, NYC

 The Negro Motorist Green Book

How one man’s guidebook helped Black Americans navigate America’s Jim Crow roads—and continues to inspire today’s global inclusion efforts. In the 1930s, the promise of America’s open road was, for Black travelers, shadowed by the threat of discrimination, harassment, and even violence. Racial segregation laws—known as Jim Crow—varied from state to state, and few businesses welcomed African Americans with open arms. “Sundown towns” barred Black visitors after dark; hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and restrooms often refused them entry. What should have been simple rest stops could become dangerous dead ends.

Learn more about: The Negro Motorist Green Book.

The Legacy of Latino Hospitality Entrepreneurs

Latino hotel ownership and leadership in the U.S. has roots that stretch back to the 19th century, reflecting a legacy of resilience, community-building, and entrepreneurial vision. One of the earliest and most prominent figures was Pío Pico, the last governor of Mexican California. In 1870, Pico opened The Pico House in Los Angeles, a three-story, 82-room luxury hotel that stood as a symbol of prosperity and progress. As one of the city’s first grand hotels, it welcomed a diverse clientele at a time when racial and ethnic segregation was deeply entrenched in American society. Pico, of Afro-Mexican descent, used his influence and resources to create spaces that challenged exclusionary norms and served as cultural havens for marginalized communities.

Pío Pico, the last governor of Mexican California, was of Afro-Mexican descent. His ancestry included African, Native American, and Spanish roots. His family, like many in Alta California during that period, had a mixed heritage, reflecting the diverse population of the region.

Pío Pico came from a very well-known Afro Latino family that became one of the most wealthy and powerful in Mexican-era California. In addition to his success in acquiring extensive landholdings including a 133,331 acre land grant, Pico become California’s last governor under Mexican rule.

His adobe home at “El Ranchito” has been completely restored to how it appeared in the 1800’s and can be visited today on a five acre park encompassing historic gardens registered as California Historic Landmark NO. 127. Go to Pío Pico State Historic Park for more details.

In 1869 Pico sold some property and spent $85,000 of the proceeds to build the grand, three-story Pico House Hotel — the most modern in Los Angeles at the time. The still-impressive, 82-bedroom Pico House Hotel stands on L.A.’s downtown central plaza, part of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument. Source: National Park Service

Throughout the 20th century, Latino entrepreneurs and hoteliers continued to build on this foundation despite limited access to capital, systemic discrimination, and barriers to advancement in the mainstream hospitality industry. In cities with significant Latino populations—like San Antonio, Miami, New York, and Los Angeles—Latino-owned inns, boarding houses, and later motels provided not only essential lodging services but also a sense of familiarity and safety for Spanish-speaking travelers and migrant workers navigating unfamiliar environments.

In more recent decades, Latino professionals have also made strides in executive leadership within major hospitality corporations, especially in markets like Florida, Texas, and California. Figures such as Arne Sorenson’s successor, Anthony Capuano, at Marriott International, who is of Colombian heritage, represent a new generation of Latino leadership at the highest levels of the global hotel industry. Likewise, family-owned boutique hotels and resort ventures across Latin America and the U.S. mainland showcase the cultural pride and world-class hospitality standards that define Latino hospitality traditions.

Notable Black-Owned Resorts and Beaches: Preserving a Legacy of Leisure, Resistance, and Community

Long before mainstream resorts and hotels welcomed Black travelers, African Americans built their own havens—coastal escapes and cultural landmarks that offered more than just rest and recreation. These Black-owned and Black-frequented destinations created space for dignity, joy, and community during an era of segregation and systemic exclusion. From the tranquil shores of Highland Beach, Maryland, founded by the descendants of Frederick Douglass, to the historic elegance of Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard, these retreats are timeless symbols of Black enterprise, freedom, and pride.

Also central to this legacy is The Moulin Rouge Hotel and Casino, which opened in 1955 as the first integrated casino in Las Vegas. Partly owned by the legendary boxer Joe Louis, the Moulin Rouge stood as a radical statement of inclusion, attracting top Black entertainers like Sammy Davis Jr., Lena Horne, and Nat King Cole, and welcoming guests of all races under one roof—a revolutionary act in a segregated city.

Iconic seaside spaces like Bruce’s Beach (California), Virginia Key Beach (Miami), Chicken Bone Beach (Atlantic City), and Atlantic Beach, South Carolina—affectionately known as “The Black Pearl”—offered not only summer fun, but vital refuge for Black families and communities. Whether founded in defiance of Jim Crow laws or passed down through generations, these destinations served as gathering places, economic strongholds, and enduring sources of Black cultural expression.

Today, these storied locations are being reclaimed, restored, and celebrated for their powerful role in shaping the Black travel experience. Whether you’re looking to explore heritage-rich beach towns or visit trailblazing hospitality landmarks like the Moulin Rouge, these destinations invite you to honor the past while enjoying the beauty of Black excellence in leisure.

Explore the stories behind these remarkable destinations in the Notable Black-Owned Resorts and Beaches section below.

Highland Beach, MD

Considered the first African American resort town in the U.S., Highland Beach was founded in 1893 by Charles Douglass, the son of abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Charles and his wife, Laura, were inspired to create the community after being denied entry to a restaurant at the Bay Ridge Resort due to their race. Charles purchased beachfront property and sold lots to friends and family. In 1922, Highland Beach became the first African American municipality in Maryland. The town was a destination for affluent Black families, including notable figures like Judge Robert Terrell, Mary Terrell, Booker T. Washington, and Langston Hughes. Today, Highland Beach is home to both summer and year-round residents, and the Twin Oaks house, which now serves as the Frederick Douglass Museum and Cultural Center, preserves its history. Visit our Frederick Douglass Museum and Cultural Center Page to learn more about the cultural richness of a the Highland Beach community founded by and for African Americans at the turn of the 20th century.

Learn more about: Frederick Douglass Museum and Cultural Center

The Legacy of Black Wall Street: From Resilience to Hospitality

The story of African American hotel ownership is one of visionary resilience, a legacy powerfully embodied by Tulsa, Oklahoma’s historic Greenwood District—known famously as Black Wall Street. In the early 20th century, amidst the harsh realities of segregation, entrepreneurs like J.B. Stradford and Simon Berry demonstrated that Black-owned hotels were more than just places for lodging; they were pillars of a thriving, self-sufficient community, symbols of wealth generation, and safe havens for Black travelers. By examining this incredible history, we see how the entrepreneurial spirit of Black Wall Street laid the foundation for generations of Black success in the hospitality industry, even in the face of insurmountable odds.

During its era of prosperity (early 1900s–1921), the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was home to several black-owned hotels and luxury inns. These establishments were symbols of the district’s economic self-sufficiency and provided high-end accommodations for African American travelers who were barred from white-owned hotels during the Jim Crow era. 

Key Black-Owned Hotels in Greenwood (c. 1921)

• The Stradford Hotel: Built in 1918 by attorney and real estate developer J.B. Stradford, this was the crown jewel of the district. It was considered the largest black-owned hotel in the United States at the time, featuring 54 luxury guest suites, crystal chandeliers, a dining room, a gambling hall, a saloon, and a barber shop. Valued at roughly $75,000 in 1921 (approximately $2.5 million today), it was designed to match the luxury of the finest white hotels in Tulsa.
• The Gurley Hotel: Founded by O.W. Gurley, the visionary often credited with the district’s initial development. The hotel, located at 112 N. Greenwood Avenue, was a 50-room landmark that also housed smaller businesses, including a billiard parlor and a cafe.
• Williams Rooming House: Owned by John and Loula Williams, who also founded the famous Dreamland Theatre. This establishment operated alongside their other ventures, which included a confectionary and an auto-repair garage.
• Berry Hotel: Simon Berry, an entrepreneur who established a private transportation network of Model T Fords and buses, also owned a hotel in the district. 

Most of these landmarks were destroyed during the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. While the district was partially rebuilt in the decades following the massacre, modern-day Greenwood features newer hotels near the historic site, though most are now corporate-owned. 

Learn more about: Black Wall Street

Shearer Cottage, Martha’s Vineyard

Shearer Cottage is the oldest African American-owned inn on Martha’s Vineyard and serves as the first stop on the African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard. Established in 1912 in the Highlands neighborhood of Oak Bluffs, it provided a safe and upscale sanctuary for Black travelers during the Jim Crow era when they were denied lodging elsewhere on the island.

Learn more about: Shearer Cottage

Welcome to Oak Bluffs — a place where Black history meets coastal beauty.

Nestled on the northeastern edge of Martha’s Vineyard, Oak Bluffs has long been a treasured summer sanctuary for African American families, leaders, and artists. From the days of segregation to the modern era, it has offered refuge, ownership, and joy — most famously through its iconic Inkwell Beach. This is more than a destination; it’s a living symbol of resilience, heritage, and community. Whether you’re walking past charming gingerbread cottages or attending a cultural event on the waterfront, Oak Bluffs invites you to relax, reconnect, and remember.

Learn more about: Oak Bluffs

Virginia Key Beach Park, Miami, FL — A Legacy of Resilience and Recreation

Tucked away on the tranquil shores of Biscayne Bay, Virginia Key Beach Park is more than just a scenic stretch of sand—it’s a living monument to the fight for equality, dignity, and safe spaces for Miami’s Black community during the era of segregation. Established in 1945 as Miami’s “colored only” beach, this vibrant site became a beloved gathering place for generations of African Americans who were barred from other public beaches.

From its early days as a sanctuary for sun, surf, and celebration, Virginia Key Beach evolved into a cultural landmark that hosted church picnics, family reunions, concerts, and civil rights events. Activists and community leaders rallied here, carving out joy and justice under the South Florida sun. Today, its historic carousel house, bathhouse, and picnic shelters remain powerful reminders of both struggle and triumph.

Learn more about: Virginia Beach Bark.

Bruce’s Beach (Manhattan Beach, CA)

A rare recreational space for Black families in the early 20th century, Bruce’s Beach was established in 1912 by Willa and Charles Bruce. The couple purchased land in Manhattan Beach and created a resort that welcomed Black beachgoers, featuring a lodge, café, and dance hall. Wealthy land developer George H. Peck also sold plots to African Americans in the area. However, in 1924, Manhattan Beach city officials condemned the land through eminent domain under the pretense of building a public park. The resort was demolished in 1927, and the land sat empty for decades. In 2021, legislation was signed to return the property to the Bruce family heirs. Today, Bruce’s Beach is a public beach that travelers can visit in Southern California.

Idlewild, Michigan, “The Black Eden” of the North

Idlewild, Michigan, was once one of the most significant African American resort communities in the United States. Founded in 1912 and flourishing through the 1950s and early ’60s, Idlewild offered a rare sanctuary where Black families could buy land, vacation, and enjoy entertainment free from the constraints of segregation. Tucked in the forests and lakes of northwestern Michigan, it became a beloved escape—earning the nickname “The Black Eden.”

Learn more about: Idlewild, Michigan, “The Black Eden” of the North.

Sag Harbor, New York, Black Hamptons

Long before the Hamptons became a symbol of luxury and exclusivity, Sag Harbor quietly fostered a thriving African American community—one of the few seaside enclaves where Black families could own waterfront property and vacation with dignity. Beginning in the 1940s and ’50s, Black professionals, artists, educators, and working-class families from New York City began buying land in Sag Harbor’s subdivisions like Azurest, Sag Harbor Hills, and Ninevah Beach—creating one of the most storied Black beach communities in the nation.

Learn more about: Sag Harbor, New York, Black Hamptons.

Chicken Bone Beach (Atlantic City, NJ)

This segregated beach, officially known as Missouri Avenue Beach, was a haven for Black vacationers from the early 1900s until the 1960s. The name “Chicken Bone Beach” originated from the many African American families and vacationers who brought fried chicken in picnic baskets to the segregated beach in Atlantic City, New Jersey. After enjoying their meals, they would often bury the chicken bones in the sand, leading to the informal name. Despite its segregation-era origins, Chicken Bone Beach became a cultural hub, attracting legendary Black entertainers and musicians like Sammy Davis Jr. and Louis Jordan. Today, a memorial plaque honors its historical significance.

Atlantic Beach, SC (“The Black Pearl”)

Established in the 1930s, Atlantic Beach was a flourishing vacation spot for Black families. Black entrepreneurs built hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and shops, creating a self-sustaining community. In its prime, the area hosted Black entertainers like Ray Charles and Billie Holiday, who performed there after playing segregated venues in Myrtle Beach. Today, Atlantic Beach remains the only Black-owned beachfront town in the U.S., preserving its historical legacy through cultural events and new Black-led investments.

Learn more about: Atlantic Beach

Lincoln Beach, New Orleans, Louisiana

Once a cherished retreat for New Orleans’ Black community during the Jim Crow era, Lincoln Beach stands as a poignant reminder of both the joy and injustice that shaped African American life in the segregated South. From 1939 to 1965, this lakeside amusement park was a rare sanctuary—boasting rides, music, swimming, and family fun—all created to serve the city’s Black population barred from white-only establishments.

Learn more about: Lincoln Beach, New Orleans, Louisiana

Lincoln Hills Country Club, Colorado

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains just west of Denver, Lincoln Hills Country Club was a groundbreaking resort community—created in 1925 to provide African Americans with a place of joy, ownership, and retreat during an era of entrenched racial segregation. As the largest African American resort west of the Mississippi, Lincoln Hills offered what was virtually unheard of at the time: access to pristine mountain air, fishing, hiking, and summer leisure—all in a safe, welcoming environment where Black families could own land for as little as $5 down. The entire Lincoln Hills resort was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

Obrey Wendall “Winks” Hamlet opened Winks Panorama, aka Winks Lodge, in 1925. Hamlet was one of the original landowners at Lincoln Hills, and in the years that followed, the lodge and cabins he owned housed famous vacationing Black artists such as Duke Ellington, Lena Horne and Count Basie, who would sometimes come to the resort after performing in Denver.

Learn more about: Lincoln Hills Country Club.

The Moulin Rouge: Breaking Barriers in Las Vegas Hospitality

Opened in 1955, the Moulin Rouge Hotel & Casino holds a groundbreaking place in Black hotel history as Las Vegas’ first integrated casino and hotel. In an era when racial segregation was deeply entrenched—earning Las Vegas the grim nickname “the Mississippi of the West”—the Moulin Rouge boldly defied the status quo by welcoming guests and entertainers of all races.

Before the Moulin Rouge, world-famous Black performers like Nat King Cole, Lena Horne, and Sammy Davis Jr. regularly sold out shows on the Strip—but were barred from staying at or even entering the very hotels where they performed. These discriminatory practices, common in Las Vegas well into the 1950s, led to the rise of a parallel Black entertainment and hospitality scene, with Westside Las Vegas becoming a haven for African American tourists, business owners, and artists.

Located in the historic Westside neighborhood, the Moulin Rouge was partly owned by boxing legend Joe Louis, whose fame and activism lent the venture visibility and legitimacy. The casino was more than a hospitality business—it was a social movement in action. With racially integrated staff, performers, and guests, the hotel attracted a dynamic and diverse crowd, particularly for its now-legendary late-night revue, “Moulin Rouge Nights.”

In addition to top-tier entertainment and elegant accommodations, the Moulin Rouge made national headlines for hosting a 1955 meeting between city leaders and the NAACP, which played a direct role in the desegregation of Las Vegas casinos. Though it operated for only a few months due to financial difficulties, the Moulin Rouge’s cultural and civil rights legacy remains monumental.

The Moulin Rouge wasn’t just a hotel—it was a revolutionary space that challenged segregation and paved the way for inclusive hospitality in Las Vegas and beyond. Today, it stands as a proud symbol of Black entrepreneurship, resilience, and excellence in the travel and entertainment industries.

Val Verde, California, “Black Palm Springs”

Tucked into the rolling hills of northern Los Angeles County, Val Verde holds a unique and powerful place in Black American history. Once dubbed the “Black Palm Springs,” this unincorporated community was established in the 1920s as a rare refuge for African Americans barred from vacationing in many other parts of segregated California. During a time when beaches, resorts, and parks were closed to Black travelers, Val Verde became a haven for leisure, land ownership, and joy.

–Learn more about: Val Verde, California, “Black Palm Springs”

Modern Era in Black-Owned Hospitality: Breaking New Ground

From Early Black Hoteliers to Institutional-Scale Ownership

The early Black hoteliers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries built lodging spaces out of necessity—creating safe, dignified accommodations during segregation and exclusion. Their inns, boarding houses, and landmark properties laid the foundation for African American hotel ownership in the United States.

As the hospitality industry evolved into a capital-intensive, brand-driven business dominated by large-scale developments, the barriers shifted from segregation to access—financing, public-private partnerships, and institutional capital became the new gatekeepers.

In this modern era, leaders like Don Peebles represent the next chapter. Moving beyond small independent properties, Peebles brought Black ownership into billion-dollar developments and major gateway cities—marking a pivotal shift from community-based hospitality to institutional-scale power.

The Peebles Corporation, New York, New York

Don Peebles: Institutional-Scale Black Hotel Ownership

Roy Donahue “Don” Peebles represents a defining modern chapter in African American hotel ownership. As founder, chairman, and CEO of The Peebles Corporation (established in 1983), he built what is widely recognized as the largest Black-owned real estate development and investment company in the United States.

In 1996, Peebles became the first African American to own and develop a major hotel in the United States when his firm secured and redeveloped the Royal Palm Hotel in Miami Beach. This milestone marked a shift from community-based hotel ownership of earlier eras to institutional-scale hospitality development in premier U.S. markets.

With more than 10 million square feet of development and over $8 billion in projects across New York, Washington, D.C., Miami, Los Angeles, and other major cities, Peebles expanded the vision of what Black ownership in hospitality could achieve.

Through his Affirmative Development™ model—focused on economic inclusion, minority business partnerships, and public-private collaboration—Peebles continues to influence how large-scale hospitality and mixed-use developments are structured in America.

–Learn more: The Peebles Corporation

The National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators and Developers

The National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators and Developers (NABHOOD) is a non-profit organization founded in 2001 to increase African-American ownership and participation in the hospitality industry. Its role is to provide education, networking opportunities, and advocacy to help Black entrepreneurs and professionals succeed.

–Learn more about: NABHOOD

The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC)

The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC), also known as the “National Voice of Black Businesses,” is an organization that advocates for the economic empowerment of Black entrepreneurs. The USBC supports a network of African American chambers of commerce and business organizations by providing resources and training to help Black-owned businesses grow and thrive. The organization was founded with the aim of amplifying the concerns of Black business owners in the wake of the election of the nation’s first Black president in 2009. 

Contemporary Movers & Shakers in the Hospitality IndustryContemporary Movers & Shakers in the Hospitality Industry

Davonne Reaves & Jessica Myers

Black hotel ownership continues to grow, with African American entrepreneurs and investors making significant strides in the hospitality industry. One such example is the groundbreaking achievement of Myers and Reaves, two young African American women who co-own a Home2 Suites by Hilton in El Reno, Oklahoma. Their investment in the $8.3 million deal marks a milestone for millennial Black women in hotel ownership.

Warren Fields: Trailblazing CEO Leading a Global Hospitality Legacy

Warren Fields is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Pyramid Global Hospitality, a powerhouse in the hotel management and ownership space. Under his visionary leadership, Pyramid has grown from just three hotels at its founding in 1999 to a global portfolio of over 230 properties across the U.S., Caribbean, and Europe. His bold strategic direction has helped redefine what success looks like in the hospitality industry.

Before stepping into the CEO role, Warren served as Chief Investment Officer, playing a pivotal role in the company’s acquisitions, strategic growth, and business development. His deep understanding of hospitality investments and market dynamics has made him one of the most respected executives in the field.

As one of the few African-American leaders at the helm of a major international hotel group, Fields is a powerful example of excellence, resilience, and representation. His leadership not only influences global trends in travel and hospitality—but also serves as inspiration for the next generation of Black hoteliers and entrepreneurs.

-Learn more

Frontier Development & Hospitality Group LLC is a prominent Black-owned real estate investment and hospitality firm headquartered in Washington, D.C.. Founded in 2009 by Evens Charles, a D.C. native and former Division I football player, the company has grown into a leading force in the development of internationally branded hotels and mixed-use projects.

Evens Charles (Founder & CEO): Charles launched the firm after a decade of success in residential real estate. He is widely recognized as a “hotel mogul” and was recently honored as the 2025 Iconic Man of the Year by Women of Wealth Magazine.

The firm has since grown to over a nine-figure portfolio of Hilton and Marriott Internationally branded hotel assets across seven states. His accomplishments have been recognized with the 2023 President Joseph R. Biden’s Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, 2024 Deal of Year for the Hyatt House Washington DC/Downtown/Convention Center, one of the 2019 Black Enterprise largest 100 Black-Owned Businesses in the nation; 2019 Outstanding Entrepreneur Award by the Caribbean American Heritage; the 2016 Deal of Year Award for the DoubleTree by Hilton Largo, MD, presented by NABHOOD; the 2010 Entrepreneur of the Year awarded by NAMD; the 2010 Outstanding Hotelier Award presented by the Asian American Hotel Owners Association; and the 2009 Hotel Owner of the Year Award.

As of early 2026, Frontier manages a portfolio valued at over $320 million with a development pipeline exceeding $1.1 billion across seven states. 

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RLJ Lodging Trust: A Black-Owned Hospitality Powerhouse

Founded in 2011, RLJ Lodging Trust is a Black-owned hotel investment firm that owns a diverse portfolio of premium-branded hotels, including Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and Wyndham properties. With nearly 100 hotels across 23 states and the District of Columbia, RLJ Lodging Trust exemplifies the power of Black business success in the hospitality industry. In 2017 the Company completed one of the most defining mergers to ever occur in the hospitality industry—the acquisition of FelCor Lodging Trust; the $2.7 billion all-stock transaction was named Merger & Acquisition of the Year in the Americas Lodging Investment summer awards for 2017. It was the first time two publicly traded hospitality real estate investment trusts (REITs) merged, and it immediately positioned RLJ to become the third-largest hospitality REIT in the United States.

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Beks Ndlovu: Founder & CEO: African Bush Camps

African Bush Camps was founded and is led by Beks Ndlovu, a Black Zimbabwean safari guide turned entrepreneur. He started the company in 2006 after a career guiding safari tours in Southern Africa, and it has since grown into a collection of luxury safari camps and lodges across Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia. Beks Ndlovu: Founder & CEO: African Bush Camps. This is one of the relatively few Black-founded and Black-led safari lodge groups in Africa’s high-end travel space. Its foundation and conservation initiatives are also tied to this leadership, further embedding local ownership impact.

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Black-Owned Hilton Hotel: How Reaves and Myers Made Hospitality History

Davonne Reaves and Jessica Myers became the youngest African American women to co-own a property under a major hotel chain when they acquired the Home2 Suites by Hilton in El Reno, Oklahoma, for $8.3 million. They formed Epiq Collective and partnered with Nassau Investments to make the deal. At 33 years old, they achieved this milestone in 2020, according to Black Business News.

– Book a room at Home2 Suites in El Reno, Oklahoma today!

The Digital Age of Black Travel: Platforms Leading the Way

Travel Noire

Travel Noire is a digital media company that serves millennials of the African Diaspora, offering inspired content to help discerning travelers discover, plan, and experience new destinations. Founded in 2013 by Zim Ugochukwu, the platform has become a trusted resource for Black travelers seeking culturally relevant travel information. In 2017, Travel Noire was acquired by Blavity Inc., expanding its reach and influence within the travel industry.

Travel Noire’s offerings include travel guides, news, and lifestyle content that highlight destinations and experiences from a Black perspective. The company also provides tools and resources to assist travelers in planning their journeys, ensuring they have access to information that resonates with their cultural experiences.

Learn more about: Travel Noire

Green Book Global

Green Book Global was founded in 2015 by Lawrence Phillips. After leaving his decade-long career as an IT consultant, Phillips embarked on a transformative journey across over 30 countries and all seven continents. During his travels, he recognized the lack of resources addressing the unique concerns of Black travelers, particularly regarding safety and cultural acceptance in various destinations. This realization inspired him to create Green Book Global, a platform dedicated to empowering Black travelers with reliable, community-sourced insights.

Green Book Global stands as the first and only Black travel review site and app, offering users the ability to read and write destination reviews, book trips, and earn rewards. The platform emphasizes user-generated content that reflects the experiences of Black travelers, focusing on aspects like safety, inclusivity, and cultural relevance. By providing this tailored information, Green Book Global aims to make travel more accessible and enjoyable for the Black community.

Learn more about: Green Book Global.

Black Travel Alliance

In the wake of social unrest from George Floyd’s publicized murder and pronouncements of “Black Lives Matter” support by destination management organizations and travel brands, a group of Black Travel Content Creators from across the globe formed the Black Travel Alliance (BTA) in June 2020. The main objective of the alliance is to hold travel brands accountable and advocate for meaningful representation of Black voices across the travel industry.

Key Initiatives:

• PullUpForTravel Campaign: Launched in 2020, this campaign encouraged travel brands to disclose their 2019 data on Black representation in their employment, advertising, press, and philanthropy to evaluate industry diversity.
• The History of Black Travel Timeline: A partnership with Tourism RESET resulted in a website documenting the history of Black leisure travel and its pioneers, centralizing information often excluded from traditional historical accounts.
• Research and Data: The BTA conducts research on Black travelers, including studies highlighting the significant economic impact and motivations of this market, which exceeds $145 billion in the U.S..
• Wavelength & Creators Weekend: These events provide opportunities for networking and skill development, connecting Black content creators with travel brands and supporting their professional advancement.

Learn more about: Black Travel Alliance / Checkout: The History of Black Travel

From Royal Roots to Modern Pioneers: A Legacy of Black Hotel Ownership

The history of Black hotel ownership stretches across centuries and continents, from Caribbean entrepreneurship in the 18th century to today’s trailblazing real estate investors and travel innovators. Despite centuries of exclusion, segregation, and systemic barriers, Black entrepreneurs have consistently carved out space in the hospitality industry—building hotels, founding resort towns, and shaping travel culture for generations of African American and global Black travelers.

This powerful timeline traces key milestones in Black hotel ownership—from Rachael Pringle Polgreen’s Royal Navy Hotel in 1770s Barbados to the revolutionary impact of Victor Green’s Negro Motorist Green Book, to the multimillion-dollar acquisitions led by women like Davonne Reaves and Jessica Myers in the 2020s. These moments represent more than entrepreneurial success—they tell a story of resilience, community-building, and cultural pride within an industry that hasn’t always opened its doors equally.

Whether through beachfront resorts, urban retreats, or digital platforms that reimagine what travel looks like for the African Diaspora, Black hotel ownership continues to redefine hospitality—rooted in legacy, driven by purpose, and powered by vision.

Key Milestones in Black Hotel Ownership & Management: A Timeline

The history of Black hospitality is a story of resilience, vision, and innovation. From the Caribbean pioneers of the 18th century to today’s globally recognized hotel owners and digital travel leaders, each milestone tells a powerful story of breaking barriers and building legacy. This timeline highlights key moments in Black-owned hotels, resorts, B&Bs, and travel culture—making it clear that Black hospitality has always shaped the way we travel.

• 1770s–1780s – Rachael Pringle Polgreen establishes the Royal Navy Hotel in Barbados, one of the earliest known inns owned by a woman of African descent.
• 1848 – Tunis Gulic Campbell publishes the first U.S. guidebook on hotel management, shaping hospitality standards.
• 1869 – James Wormley opens The Wormley Hotel in Washington, D.C., the first known upscale Black-owned hotel in the U.S.
• 1870 – Pío Pico, former governor of California, opens the Pico House in Los Angeles, a luxury hotel of its time.
• 1893 – Charles Douglass the son of abolitionist Frederick Douglass establishes Highland Beach, MD, the first African American resort town. In 1922, Highland Beach became the first African American municipality in Maryland. Today, Highland Beach is home to both summer and year-round residents, and the Twin Oaks house, which now serves as the Frederick Douglass Museum and Cultural Center.
• 1906 – 1921 – O.W. Gurley purchases land in Tulsa, creating Greenwood/Black Wall Street, a hub of Black business including hospitality. During its era of prosperity (early 1900s–1921), the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was home to several black-owned hotels and luxury inns. These establishments were symbols of the district’s economic self-sufficiency and provided high-end accommodations for African American travelers who were barred from white-owned hotels during the Jim Crow era. 
• 1912 – Idlewild, Michigan emerges as “The Black Eden” — a resort town for African Americans during segregation.
• 1912 Willa and Charles Bruce create Bruce’s Beach in California, a Black-owned beachfront resort.
• 1912 – Shearer Cottage was established, and is the oldest African American-owned inn on Martha’s Vineyard and serves as the first stop on the African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard. It provided a safe and upscale sanctuary for Black travelers during the Jim Crow era when they were denied lodging elsewhere on the island.
• 1913 – Hotel Theresa, Harlem, NYC, constructed in 1913, the Hotel Theresa originally operated as a whites-only property. That changed in 1940, when Black entrepreneur Love B. Woods purchased the 13-story building and reimagined it as a 300-room luxury hotel at the corner of 125th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard.
• 1920 – Hotel Olga, Harlem, NYC, opened in 1920 by African American entrepreneur Edward “Ed” H. Wilson; it became a cornerstone of Harlem’s social and cultural life during the Harlem Renaissance. 
• 1920 – Val Verde, California, known as “Black Palm Springs,” is founded.
• 1922 – E.C. Regnier & Roger Ewalt found Lincoln Hills Country Club in Colorado, later added to the National Register of Historic Places.
• 1930s–1970s – Atlantic Beach, SC, thrives as the “Black Pearl,” a premier vacation destination for Black travelers.
• 1936 – Victor Green publishes the first Negro Motorist Green Book, guiding Black travelers safely through Jim Crow America.
• 1939 – Lincoln Beach opens in New Orleans as a Black seaside resort.
• 1940s – Sag Harbor, New York, Black Hamptons, became a symbol of luxury and exclusivity, Sag Harbor quietly fostered a thriving African American community—one of the few seaside enclaves where Black families could own waterfront property and vacation with dignity.
• 1955 – The Moulin Rouge in Las Vegas becomes the first integrated casino-hotel.
• 1960s – Civil Rights activism leads to desegregation of public accommodations, reshaping American travel.
• 1983 – Roy Donahue “Don” Peebles founded The Peebles Corporation and built the largest Black-owned real estate development and investment company in the United States.
• 2001 – The National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators and Developers (NABHOOD) a non-profit organization founded to increase African-American ownership and participation in the hospitality industry.
• 2006 – African Bush Camps — Black-founded safari lodge collection in Southern Africa (Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia), led by founder Beks Ndlovu.
• 2009 – The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC), also known as the “National Voice of Black Businesses,” was formed.
• 2009 – Frontier Development & Hospitality Group LLC was by Evens Charles, a D.C. native and former Division I football player, since the company has grown into a leading force in the development of internationally branded hotels and mixed-use projects.is a prominent Black-owned real estate investment and hospitality firm headquartered in Washington, D.C.. As of early 2026, Frontier manages a portfolio valued at over $320 million with a development pipeline exceeding $1.1 billion across seven states. 
• 2011 – RLJ Lodging Trust is founded by Robert L. Johnson, becoming one of the largest Black-owned hospitality investment firms. In 2017 grows into the third-largest hospitality REIT in the U.S. With nearly 100 hotels across 23 states and the District of Columbia, RLJ Lodging Trust exemplifies the power of Black business success in the hospitality industry.
• 2013 – Zim Ugochukwu launches Travel Noire, a digital platform empowering Black millennial travelers.
• 2015 – Lawrence Phillips founds Green Book Global, a modern digital travel review site for Black travelers.
• 2020s – Davonne Reaves and Jessica Myers become the youngest African American women to co-own a major hotel property.
• 2020 – The Black Travel Alliance (BTA) is a professional non-profit organization [501(c)(3)] was created to support, amplify, and hold the travel industry accountable for Black representation.
• 2025 – The Black Hotel Guide was founded, the world’s largest online directory of Black-owned hotels, resorts, Inns, hostels, bed and breakfasts.

This timeline is just the beginning—Black-owned hotels, B&Bs, and resorts continue to thrive across the U.S. and around the globe. For travelers eager to support these businesses, explore BlackHotelGuide.com, a growing directory dedicated to spotlighting Black and Latino hospitality entrepreneurs.

📱 Before you book—Check BlackHotelGuide.com First / Install the Black Hotel Guide app

Conclusion

The history of African American hotel ownership is one of perseverance, innovation, and excellence. From the pioneering efforts of James Wormley and Rachael Pringle Polgreen to modern Black-owned hospitality enterprises like RLJ Lodging Trust, African Americans continue to shape and redefine the travel industry. Today, Black hoteliers and entrepreneurs are breaking barriers and building generational wealth while preserving the legacy of Black excellence in hospitality. barriers and building generational wealth while preserving the legacy of Black excellence in hospitality.

As we celebrate these achievements, it is essential to support Black-owned hotels, resorts, and hospitality businesses, ensuring that the industry reflects diversity, inclusion, and the rich heritage of African American entrepreneurship.