The Hyatt Regency Atlanta honored “silver rights activist” and founder, chairman and CEO of nonprofit Operation HOPE at the Feb. 15 Heritage Celebration. 

Atlanta’s Hyatt Regency has been a civil rights destination since it opened its doors as a fully integrated hotel in August 1967. As one of the first hotels in the city to welcome Black travelers, the Hyatt quickly became a hub for civil rights organizing. 

The Hyatt was the destination for Martin Luther King Jr.’s final Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1967, leading King to dub it the “Hotel of Hope.” 

Since then, the Hyatt Regency Atlanta has carried the term to annual “Heritage Celebrations” that honor “Black leaders who…” The Feb. 15 event was the first celebration since 2020. 

Previously, Hyatt has honored Dr. Bernice King, Ambassador Andrew Young, Coretta Scott King, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Representative John Lewis, Xernona Clayton, Billye Aaron among others. 

General Manager Derrick Morrow said the night is an “opportunity to recognize our partners who are making a significant contribution to our community.” 

Georgia State University Professor Mo Ivory hosted the ceremony, and jazz pianist Gary Motley performed. Hyatt Regency leadership honored a group of hotel employees as “Crystal Colleagues” for exemplary work. To date, 54 employees have been honored. 

The night’s main honoree was John Hope Bryant, an entrepreneur and nonprofit leader dedicated to promoting financial literacy, financial inclusion and economic empowerment. 

Bryant is a “silver rights” activist, a term coined by Civil Rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson that refers to the economic and financial rights necessary for Black progress. Jackson called it the “third rail” after the Civil Rights Movement and Emancipation. 

Morrow said Bryant is a key voice for social change through the idea of “empowerment through economics.” 

“He has become…