African American Celebrities See LA From Diverse Perspectives.

LOS ANGELES -- For Raven, LA is all about shopping.

"Shopping in LA is my favorite sport," says the actor, who first captured the hearts of TV viewers as the precocious preschooler Olivia Kendall on "The Cosby Show" in the late 1980s, and is star of her own Disney Channel

Singer/composer Lionel Ritchie loves the city's wide appeal: "No matter who I meet in the world, they all show up in LA."

And "Touched by an Angel" star Della Reese sees Los Angeles for its natural attractions: "Ocean, mountains, sunshine ... LA is blessed with so much."

Besides its natural attractions, LA is a melting pot, offering attractions and events representing a myriad of ethnicities. They include museums, sites, events and performing arts companies that celebrate the African American heritage. Among them: The California African American Museum in Exposition Park focuses on the contributions of African Americans in art, history and culture. A Tastes of Black Cuisine is a two-day festival held each October that features food from LA's top African, Caribbean and African American chefs, caterers and other food purveyors. The landmark LAX Theme Building was designed by African American architect Paul Williams in the 1950s, years before the adoption of the Civil Rights Amendment. And the Lula Watts Dance Theatre is renowned for performances celebrating the African American spirit.

Raven, Ritchie and Reese are among more than 30 well-known personalities who are part of the "See My LA" tourism campaign launched by LA INC. The Convention and Visitors Bureau, which takes advantage of LA's best known assets -- its celebrities. Among the others are Yasmine Bleeth, Oscar De La Hoya, Edward James Olmos, Melissa Etheridge, Wolfgang Puck and George Takei.

Angelenos love LA, and that holds true for the multi-ethnic legion of actors, musicians, chefs, athletes and TV personalities who live and work here. Local celebrities are doing this pro bono -- out of love and an eagerness to share their city with visitors. Not only do they want to encourage travel, but they want everyone to see LA as they do.

Besides appearing in print ads, publications and promotional collateral, the "See My LA" campaign is featured on LA INC.'s new English website -- www.SeeMyLA.com

LA INC. The Convention and Visitors Bureau is a private, not-for-profit business association dedicated to marketing Los Angeles as the premier destination for leisure, convention and corporate travel. Though not part of city government, LA INC. is recognized as the city's official tourism marketing organization.