Brown Books Publishing Group Releases Historical Nonfiction That Reveals Untold Stories of Black Hospitality Entrepreneurs from Pioneer to Civil Rights Eras

DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Former VP for Hilton Worldwide and Cornell University Nolan School of Hotel Administration Graduate Calvin Stovall Jr. publishes Hidden Hospitality: Untold Stories of Black Hotel, Motel, and Resort Owners from the Pioneer Days to the Civil Rights Era this week. Stovall’s coffee table book commemorates long unrecognized contributions that laid the groundwork for an entire hospitality infrastructure. With more than 125 vintage black-and-white photographs, Hidden Hospitality introduces trailblazers who offered accommodations to underserved communities and created hubs for civic organization — unveiling a world that before now was virtually unknown.
“Calvin Stovall’s beautiful homage to Black hoteliers is an incredible work of passion, love, and commitment in sharing the important untold stories and history of Black hospitality leaders, their hotels, and their guests. The vital role Black hospitality leaders played in the industry and in American history and society broadly has remained hidden for far too long. Thanks to Calvin, they are hidden no more!” —Stuart W. Greif, Chief Strategy, Innovation & Operating Officer, Forbes Travel Guide

“Great books humble us, inspire us, change us, and make us want to make the world better … The lessons in this book are profound. You will be moved. You will be inspired. You will shout. You will be entertained, educated, and elevated.” —Dr. Jeffrey O, President & CEO, International Hospitality Institute

Hidden Hospitality was made possible through the generous financial support of the AHLA Foundation, Salamander Collection, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Southeast Tourism Society, Washington Hospitality Association, and other valued partners of the project.

Calvin began his career in hospitality at downtown Chicago’s Holiday Inn. After earning a business administration degree, he would graduate with a Master of Professional Studies from Cornell’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration. Since then, Calvin has enjoyed an illustrious career in the hospitality industry. He has also worked in the nonprofit sector as a brand marketing strategist with ALSAC, the brand awareness and fundraising arm for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and as CEO of the Soulsville Foundation. He currently runs ICONIC Presentations, which delivers high-energy keynotes and workshops for organizations nationwide, while also serving as the Director of Executive Programs for The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI) based in Pittsburgh, PA.