Must-Visit Sites Celebrating Black Culture and History
Black culture has significantly shaped American history and its cultural impact around the world. In the wake of ongoing conversations regarding race and the injustices faced by the Black community, particularly after the murder of George Floyd in 2020, it is crucial to preserve sites of historical significance.
Across the United States, numerous Black sites and monuments stand as preserved moments in time. They either ignited revolutions or witnessed resilience that inspired movements for equality. While many monuments pay tribute to the richness of Black culture, this guide highlights ten essential sites to visit when traveling to these cities.
Note: During COVID-19, please ensure to verify the latest travel restrictions prior to your visit and always adhere to government health advice. Events may be subject to change.
1. Frederick Douglass House – Washington D.C.
Frederick Douglass was a prominent abolitionist and scholar vital in the quest to end slavery. This historic site allows visitors to learn about Douglass’s life while touring his Anacostia home, which he resided in from 1877 until his death in 1895. It became part of the National Park Service in 1962. Due to COVID restrictions, while the house itself and Visitor’s Center are currently closed, the grounds remain accessible with park staff available to answer questions.
2. Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument – Cambridge, Maryland
Named a national monument in 2013 by former President Barack Obama, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument draws visitors eager to learn about the woman known as “Moses.” This site encompasses four notable locations, including the Jacobs Jackson House, Bezel Church, Stewart’s Canal, and James Cook Home Site, providing insights into the underground network that facilitated freedom for many enslaved individuals.
3. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial – Washington DC
The impressive 30-foot tall Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, located in the heart of Washington D.C., is a must-see monument. This sculpture showcases the iconic Civil Rights activist, with several of his most notable quotes intricately etched in the granite. Since its unveiling in 2011, it has quickly become a popular site for reflection and remembrance.
4. The Howard Thurman House – Daytona Beach, Florida
As a revered author and educator, Howard Thurman played an instrumental role in the nonviolent movement during the Civil Rights era. Visitors can explore his home to gain insights into the philosophies that influenced key Civil Rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
5. Maggie L. Walker National Site – Richmond, Virginia
Maggie L. Walker was the first Black woman to establish a bank and was an influential figure in promoting Civil Rights and economic empowerment for the Black community in Richmond. Guided tours through the Maggie L. Walker National Site offer valuable perspectives on her contributions and legacy.
6. Mount Zion Baptist Church – Tulsa, Oklahoma
Churches have always been at the center of the African American community’s pursuit of equality. Mount Zion Baptist Church in Tulsa stands as a historical symbol, rebuilt in 1952 after being destroyed during the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. This church remains a testament to the resilience of the Black community.
7. Boston African American National Historic Site – Boston, Massachusetts
Situated in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood, the African American National Historic Site includes 15 Civil War-era structures related to the city’s Black community. Highlights include the Robert Gould Shaw monument and the Museum of African American History’s African Meeting House. Currently, the site is undergoing phased reopening due to health restrictions.
8. American Beach – Jacksonville, Florida
American Beach emerged as a refuge for Black residents during the Jim Crow era when many beaches were either segregated or restricted to white patrons. Established by the Afro-American Life Insurance Company in the 1930s, American Beach provided a serene escape for Black travelers. It was officially registered as a historic place in 2001.
9. Daisy Bates House – Little Rock, Arkansas
Daisy Bates opened her home to the Little Rock Nine, a group of students who were the first to desegregate a high school in Arkansas. Despite facing threats, Daisy and her husband provided a haven for these brave students. Although the home is privately owned today, its historical significance remains profound.
10. Mason Temple, Church of God in Christ – Memphis, Tennessee
The Mason Temple served as a significant meeting place during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. It is well-known as the location where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his significant “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech shortly before his assassination.
11. Bethel Baptist Church & Parsonage – Birmingham, Alabama
Bethel Baptist Church was a central hub for the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham, home to renowned activist Rev. Fred L. Shuttlesworth. Established in 1926, it has been the headquarters for civil rights campaigns and remains a site of historical importance.
12. National Museum of African American Music – Nashville, Tennessee
Opened in 2021, this museum is dedicated to celebrating the crucial role African Americans have played in shaping American music. Exhibits encompass the relationship between music, religion, and the Civil Rights movement, complemented by live performances throughout the year.
13. DuSable Museum of African American History – Chicago, Illinois
Founded in 1961, the DuSable Museum is the first independent institution dedicated to African American culture in the U.S. It showcases the historical struggles of African Americans and hosts diverse events aimed at fostering understanding and community engagement.
14. Penn Center – St. Helena Island, South Carolina
The Penn Center, established in 1862, was the first school for African Americans in the South. Visitors today can explore the site’s historic buildings and learn about the Gullah/Geechee people, a distinctive African American community. Prior arrangements for tours are necessary due to COVID-19 precautions.
15. Buffalo Soldiers National Museum – Houston, Texas
This museum honors the legacy of African American soldiers in the U.S. military. Exhibits focus on the significant contributions of Black soldiers throughout history, including their uniforms and experiences, enhanced by various educational programs offered to the public.
