The Omni Hotel in downtown Dallas hides behind city government on placing a Black Lives Matter message on its wall. The Omni Hotel is iconic in the Dallas skyline and often will use its building for messages of support to corporate partners or major events occuring in Dallas.
On Tuesday night, it’s neighbor, Reunion Tower, went dark to honor the Tuesday #BlackOut protesting police brutality. Dallas’ famed Reunion Tower showed a significant show of support for black lives and citywide demonstrations against police brutality by turning off its lights — something the landmark had only done once previously in its 42-year history.
According to social media posts which announced the decision, the operators of the tower said the building “stands for people – all people. The time is now to engage with compassion, patience and understanding.”
A petition has been started to have the Omni honor Black Lives Matter, but management claims they can only do so with city approval.
However the petition ends with the following words: “In times of strife, [sharing] statements such as [‘Black Lives Matter’] can change the morale and the mood of an entire city. The Omni can make a show of solidarity and serve as a powerful vessel for change by displaying those 3 words.”
Omni Hotel History
In the past the Omni has chosen to celebrate both the city’s many sports-related and social accomplishments and other cities also including the Houston Astros.
Dallas’ Central Track was the first to break the story. An update to their article finds that Omni staff lied about permission to change the messaging of their hotel.
The Omni receives significant support from taxpayers through the corporate Visit Dallas‘ and their “promotion” of the hotel. As hours roll by it becomes clear that the Omni Hotel is no friend of equality. Stick with us on other topics related to Visit Dallas and the Omni Hotel.