06/05/2020

A Message from Experience Columbus on Black Lives Matter

from OSAE Member Dan Williams, vice president of sales

This morning, OSAE Member Dan Williams, Experience Columbus' vice president of sales released the following statement. OSAE is sharing the statement in its entirety:

Many of you know me, some of you may not, however you are surely all aware of protests that have broken out across the country over the last week against racial and social injustice. I think we can all agree: It’s time for change.  

As the organizations that proudly promote and encourage visitation to our city, Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission also proudly promote the characteristics of our city that make it worth visiting, one of the most valuable of which is our diversity. When members of our city are in pain, we are all in pain. Many of us have been in pain for quite some time. Although we don’t have all the answers, we know that we can’t stay silent.     

We’re proud to be among nearly 3,000 local businesses whose leaders have signed a petition for Columbus City Council to declare racism a public health crisis and are pleased that Ohio is on its way to being the first state to make said declaration. But this is just a small step. It’s just the beginning. We intend to continue to speak out against systemic racism and social injustice. We vow to ensure that next time you’re in Columbus, it’s a better Columbus; a stronger, more unified and safer Columbus.  

When you bring your group to our city, we’ll make sure you’re aware of volunteer opportunities that continue to break down barriers for communities of color. You’ll see us promoting minority-owned businesses your attendees can support during their visits.  

It is efforts like these that reflect the spirit of our city – collaborative, forward-thinking and eager to stand up for what matters.  

Please, don’t be silent. I encourage you to engage in conversations that so many have already started. Tell us what you want to see from us. Our voices, every single one, are what makes Columbus the city we are proud to call home.    

We’re here. We’re listening. We’re determined to make a difference. 

Dan Williams
Vice President of Sales
Experience Columbus

To view the message online, please select this link.