Years before Richard Black came on the scene, Hotelier Harris Rosen was staking his claim on I-Drive. From modest beginnings on the lower east side of Manhattan in New York, he advanced to become one of the wealthiest men in Florida––owning six hotels in Orlando, including a 72-par 18-hole golf course at Shingle Creek just off of Universal Boulevard. Now nearing its final stages of completion, and due to open in September 2006 is the new five star, 1500-guest room Shingle Creek Hotel and Resort, both occupying a 230-acre site at the headwaters of Shingle Creek. He amassed his holdings using a valuable lesson that he learned as a child, thou shalt not borrow.

In 1974, immediately following the 1973 oil embargo, Rosen purchased the 250-room Quality Inn on International drive. Tourism had dropped tremendously and hotels were going bankrupt. As it turned out, he purchased the property for about $18,000 including attorney fees. Says he, “I stepped into this hotel as the owner––penniless.” The young Cornell University graduate having spent time in the Army, had worked his way up to second lieutenant before receiving an honorable discharge. For a while, he worked as an employee at Hilton Hotels where he gained valuable experience in the hotel industry. Just before establishing his own business, he worked with the Walt Disney organization in California. Now, some 32 years later, he is widely recognized and respected in the hospitality industry.

Perhaps Shingle Creek, Rosen’s latest venture, may have already been accomplished, were it not for an epiphany he had some 10 or 12 years ago, whereupon he decided that it was time to step outside of self and help those who were less fortunate. Thus began the Tangelo Park Project, which has received national acclaim. Rosen provides, among other things, full scholarships and daycare to student residents of Tangelo Park to attend any state supported college in Florida. That number is now upwards of 200 students and growing. In addition, he made a multi-million dollar donation to the University of Central Florida for the new hospitality school (named in his honor).

As the Rosen empire grew increasingly more diverse, he crossed paths with Richard Black. As a result, he became a supporter of Bethune-Cookman College and the Bronze Statue Project, and later the Water for Haiti Project, where $320,000 was raised to purchase water purifiers for the people of Haiti. The list continues to grow.

Richard Black’s Road to Recognition
The July/August 2002 issue of Onyx Magazine listed Richard Black as one of Florida’s young “up and coming,” he was 37 at the time. Now Black is one of the most influential in the state. How did that happen in such a short period of time? Overnight, Rich Black latched on to an opportunity that blended him in with some of the most powerful people in the state––even in the country. It wasn’t orchestrated; it was the product of initiative, drive and dedication. [Sidebar: When the door of opportunity presents itself, one should be prepared to step in.] Unknowingly, Black positioned himself to take advantage of an unexpected opportunity.

As Black advanced to middle school, he discovered that he had been blessed with a rich baritone voice. He entered a contest, which he won, and became a local overnight success. He was offered a recording contract, which his parents considered signing; however, at the last minute, they decided it was not in their son’s best interest. Consequently, the final decision was if he had the talent then, he would still have it when he completed high school. They did not sign the contract. Said Black, as he gave a hearty laugh, “Hmm, and I was never contacted again.” By this time, however, he was already tagged Richard Black, the singer, and was constantly pursued to perform at various functions.

From there, Black ventured into commercials and a couple of public television specials. He said that those experiences made him comfortable with the public and comfortable with himself.

Black’s Involvement with the Bronze Statue and Subsequent Introduction to Harris Rosen
Back in 2001, Johnnie Brown, Black’s constituent in the Jacksonville area, contacted him and suggested that he could possibly make substantial sales for Ron Jon by attending the Bethune-Cookman College National Convention in Daytona. Myrtle Brown was national president at the time and allowed Black to make his pitch to the members of the association and encouraged them to give him their support. Black had a block of 100 rooms, sold them all in one day, and was asked to secure more. As a result, he was able to fill Ron Jon to capacity during the Central Florida Classic weekend, and was instrumental in securing numerous timeshare sales.

Although an alumnus of Bethune-Cookman College, Black had never attended a national alumni convention. Little did he know that this one would change his entire direction in life. At the meeting, he spoke to several of the older alums who remembered Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, founder of the college. He hung on to every word as they shared stories of her with him.

Upon learning that the school would be celebrating its centennial anniversary in 2004, Black wanted to know what plans were being considering for the celebration, and whether or not there was a monument anywhere in the Daytona area commemorating the life of Dr. Bethune. He learned that the only one was in Washington, D.C. so he decided to put together a committee to raise funds to erect a monument on the campus of Bethune-Cookman College. This was later to become known as the Bronze Statue Project. Having three years left to accomplish his goal, he began right away to drum up support from anyone who would listen to him.

Black spoke to Dr. Sheila Fleming, a professor at the college, who told him that her friend, Janice Walton, had thought of the idea earlier––in 1999, but it never materialized. Seeing Walton as a possible ally for the project, he got in touch with her to see if she would be interesting in revisiting the idea. After a couple of conversations with her, she agreed and the rush was on.

Black picked up a copy of Onyx Magazine from the administrative office at Bethune-Cookman College and called the contact number inside. To his surprise, Lillian Seays, who was media specialist at his junior high school, was publisher of the magazine. He later met with her and Lester Seays. As a result, they agreed to become publicists for the Bronze Statue Project.

The first undertaking of the Seays was to interview Rich Black and Janice’s Walton. Their interview resulted in the breaking story regarding the project. It was that piece that was used to introduce the Bronze Statue Project to both the corporate world and to other potential supporters.

Continuing to drum up support, Black approached Commissioner Mable Butler, who had two sons to attend Bethune-Cookman College. She suggested that he talk to Harris Rosen, owner of Rosen Hotels and Resorts. Away Black went with the committee, and a German chocolate cake in hand––one that Commissioner Butler sent.

Even after accepting the cake, Rosen did not warm up to the project until Black, noticing the Jackie Robinson memorabilia in the office asked, “Mr. Rosen, are you a Jackie Robinson fan?” He responded, “What do you know about Jackie Robinson?” Black told him of how Dr. Bethune had befriended Robinson and his wife, Rachel, to make life more pleasant for them in Daytona Beach during a time of racism and segregation, and that she had been part of the inspiration for him to remain there––a move that led to Robinson integrating Major League Baseball. Upon hearing this, Rosen responded, “I’m in. How can I help?”

The committee communicated that the project would cost approximately $500,000, but instead of accepting a check from Rosen, Black suggested that the supporters would have more compassion for the undertaking if given a chance to be a part of the venture. At that point, Rosen suggested that they have a gala. The idea was pursued and netted $360,000 plus for the project. With about 1700 people in attendance, the gala was the largest of its kind ever in Central Florida.

Along the way, Black had reached out to garner the support of the African-American Greek organizations by traveling to Washington, D.C. and meeting with most of their national presidents. He established a relationship with The Links Inc., 100 Black Men, the Rotary Club, Welbro Construction Company, Canin & Associates, Sterling Silver Landscape and Sod, HHCP Archetects, Creative Remodeling Designs, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, NASCAR, Procter and Gamble and others. Some of these contacts would prove helpful in the months to come.

The unveiling and the inauguration of the college’s new president, Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed, was a fitting history-making centennial celebration and culmination to three years of hard work. Dr. Reed was the answer to Dr. Bethune’s prayer for a woman to succeed her. Although it took five decade for her prayer to be answered, it was on time, because the incumbent president, Dr. Oswald Bronson, was ready to retire.

Community and Social Impact
One of Black’s most significant encounters that changed the face of the African-American presence in the Orange County Regional History Center came as a result of his determination to inundate himself with facts about Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune during the Bronze Statue days. Mercerdes Clark had given him information about Dr. Bethune, including her involvement in Orlando––having come to the city in 1939 out of concern regarding adequate housing for African-Americans.

Thursting for more information, Black went to the Orange County Regional History Center to see the African American Exhibit. But that which was proposed to be an African American Exhibit was a disappointment. He found one photo of Mrs. Bethune with a blurb and a general description, from which he garnered only that she was past president of Bethune-Cookman College. Says Black, “I looked around the museum and saw nothing of substance. I was somewhat aggravated and slightly irate and decided I would just leave. But in walking out of the museum, I thought how long will we, as a people, have to turn and walk away from what we know to be wrong and unfair.” With this thought, Black turned and went back into the museum and asked to speak to the curator. After giving answers to a few “what's” and “whys”, he was able to speak to Sara Van Arsdale.

After listening to Black’s concerns, Ms. Van Arsdale asked him to come with her up stairs where she revealed to him that she did not want to open this museum excluding African-Americans and their contributions in Orlando; however, they did not have the history and did not know whom to contact to get it. She further shared that the injustices of African Americans were not something people wanted to talk about, and they had to be very careful. Black responded that he was incensed and enraged and felt that this is just another “cop out.” He said, “Let’s work together. If I were to get you the people who can get you the history, can we move forward on creating a new exhibit?”

Van Arsdale was afraid that there was no funding for that, but Black was adamant about his concerns and was willing to go to the media about it and take a stance. A couple of days later, she called and told Black that she had gotten a $100,000 grant and asked him to come down to the museum and they would be willing to work with him. A committee was formed. It was a partnership that included Leroy Argrett, Audrey Recharts, Mercerdese Clark and others who spearheaded the collection of the facts, articles and memorabilia. Says Black, “We now have How Distant Seems My Starting Place, which is now a permanent African American exhibit.” His father is also part of the exhibit. “So,” said Black, “as I was taking a stance for what I thought was strictly people of color, I was also taking a stance for my mother and father who also had been left out of the history.”

Gaining stature in the community, Black remembers a phone call that he received one day from Ericka Dunlap when she was running for Miss Orlando. Knowing that he had worked on the fundraiser for the Bronze Statue Project, she told him that she needed assistance, because she wanted to become Miss America. In her relentless pursuit, Black began to introduce her to different people who were willing to support her. Says Black, “When she became Miss Florida there was not a lot of ‘hoopla’.” He decided to approach Harris Rosen about it, and he suggested that they give her a reception. “Because Mr. Rosen is a person of the community, we were able to embrace Ericka, we brought together people from the community, the family, and the University [UCF]. According to the Miss Florida coordinator, it was the most elaborate receptions ever given for a Miss Florida,” Black stated.

Richard Black Joins the Family of Rosen Hotels and Resorts; Rosen Shares His Views
Black had taken a sabbatical leave from his job at Ron Jon to place all of his energies into the Bronze Statue Fundraising Project. When it was over, many of the persons with whom he had established a rapport, began to contact him to offer him a job with their company. One of these persons was Harris Rosen. He had known Black for only a year, but said he, “You know, when you’ve been in business as long as I have, and I’ve been in this location for close to 32 years, a lot of decisions you make are not based on anything much more than intuitiveness. There was something about Rich that I felt good about from the very beginning, then of course watching him through the BCC Gala work, it was obvious to me that he was someone who, upon becoming involved with something, would see it through to the end. I feel very good about Rich being a part of my organization and so far, he has proven me right.”

When Black received the job offer, he jumped right on it. He said, “Mr. Rosen asked me, ‘what is your title?’ ” To which he responded, “I don’t know.” Coming right back at him, Rosen said, “You are in charge of diversity, what is your title?” Managing to briefly get away from the question, Black talked to, Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd who was National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She suggested Director of Corporate Initiatives. “In that position, you bring change to the organization,” she explained.

Since acquiring the position of Director of Corporate Initiatives, Black has been responsible for bringing substantial change and improvement to the Rosen family of hotels. “Just his being here has made a difference,” Rosen said. “He brings about a perspective that heretofore, we were not capable of, I think that is more important than dollars and cents. Being here, guiding us, and helping us making sure that my vision of being regarded as an organization that honors diversity, treasures diversity, and places diversity at the very top of our priorities––that’s the key to having Rich Black in our organization.” Beyond that, generating income is one of Black’s responsibilities. Rosen stated, “He went over projection last year, and I suspect he’ll do the same this year. So he is our diversity conscience and also one of our top sales people.”

Black’s approach is convincing, and he has been able to attract conferences and conventions of such organizations as The Links, Inc., Blacks in Government and others. He went across country to Las Vegas with representatives from the county and the city to help secure the Delta Sigma Theta National Convention for Orlando in 2008. Delta Sigma Theta’s presence is expected to make a 30 million dollar impact in the area.

Through the efforts of Rich Black and the Department of Corporate Initiatives, Rosen Hotels have seen a 60% increase in family reunions. Travels to Puerto Rico have been productive in improving the impact from the Hispanic market, Columbia included.

While fulfilling his duties, Black has become aware that there is a downside as it relates to dealing with the public and sometimes with his peers. Said Rosen, “In the company, there have been minor clashes, because he’s the new guy, sits right next to me––is with me all the time and I suspect that some may be a little uncomfortable with his closeness to me, but I think with time, that has faded. The vast majority of supervisors and managers with whom Rich comes in contact within our organization are comfortable with Rich and understand that he is doing a great job. Now, outside of the organization, there are people who are resentful––some from the African American community. They can’t easily get directly to me, because Rich is there. Some people have been very irritated and have spoken to me about it––claiming Rich is running interference for me. That’s not his purpose in life, but I love it. It’s nice to have someone who can grapple with some of the challenges and get results before they get to my desk.”

With the new Shingle Creek Hotel and Resort looming on the horizon, Black can expect to expand his experience. Meanwhile, Rosen continues to mentor him. He said that as he gets older, he finds himself doing more and more mentoring. It’s something he enjoys. He says that he feels a great sense of satisfaction anytime he can help anyone to avoid, some of the pitfalls and mistakes he has made.

Equipped with dedication, enthusiasm, and determination, Rich Black was prepared, and at the right place at the right time. And now, often times, the road to the giant on I-Drive is through him.