Illinois' native black celebrities promote state's attractions in campaign

(December 30, 2005) Travelers aren’t the only ones talking up Illinois as a tourism destination. Actors Harry Lennix (left) and LisaRaye, vocalist Chaka Khan and other noteables are encouraging travelers everywhere to visit their native state in a new promotion. 

Chicago-based Beaman Incorporated, the African American communications agency of record for the Illinois Department of Tourism, has added a new component to its “Soul of Illinois” program launched earlier this year. The campaign now features native black celebrities expressing their favor with the state’s unique offerings.

Robin Beaman, agency founder, says, “These native Illinois newsmakers will be featured on the ‘Soul of Illinois’ Website, www.soulfulillinois.com, touting Illinois as an ideal travel destination for African-Americans by highlighting what they love most about their home state.”

Lennix, who stars in the hit new ABC series, “Commander in Chief,” is the most recent addition to the slate of celebrities to be featured in the campaign.  He joins LisaRaye, star of the UPN comedy “All of Us;” R&B legend Chaka Khan; Mike Singletary, former Chicago Bears linebacker and current San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach and linebacker coach; famed jazz musician Ramsey Lewis; and Bill Norwood, who made history as the first African-American pilot and captain at United Airlines, which is headquartered in Illinois. 

According to IBOT Deputy Director Jan Kostner, “The personalities featured in this campaign have made notable achievements in their respective industries. We are excited about having them join our effort to promote Illinois. We feel privileged to offer visitors a chance to see Illinois through the experiences of some of the state’s most recognized natives. I can’t think of a more winning combination than our attractive destination, coupled by this impressive star power,” said Kostner.

The “My Illinois” campaign is part of a multi-year, integrated program to promote the rich ethnic, cultural and historical diversity of Illinois to the $4.8 billion African-American travel market. IBOT is targeting this growing travel segment which, according to the Travel Industry Association of America, is outpacing the overall U.S. travel market segment by 2 percent.


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As the American economy continues to move sluggishly, African-American households are curtailing their spending in many categories, including food, clothing and basic household items, while investing more in home repair, home entertainment and consumer electronics. Although they are trimming back, black consumers are still spending more than their white counterparts on most of these products.

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