There’s no better place to celebrate Black History Month than Atlanta
As the birthplace of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a stronghold of the Civil Rights Movement, and the home of the late Congressman John Lewis—not to mention the scores of historic sites and personal accounts of Black History on nearly every corner—consider Atlanta the spot to be during Black History Month. From historic spots to visit with the kids to community programs and events, you can learn about and celebrate Black history in the city and beyond all February long in 2023.
1. Celebrate Black History Month at The Children's Museum
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Celebrate Black History Month with the Children's Museum of Atlanta. During your visit, stop by the Stage, Science Bar, and Creativity Café to learn about prominent African Americans in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and art. You'll find interactive story times, hands-on activities, and exciting experiments all month long.
275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. N.W.
Atlanta
Online: childrensmuseumatlanta.org
Related: 10 Women Who Changed Atlanta Forever
2. Shop the New Black Wall Street Market
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Opened in November 2021, the New Black Wall Street Market is located in Stonecrest, 20 minutes east of Downtown Atlanta. Here, you’ll find 100+ shops and restaurants to explore. Shop everything from retail, gourmet groceries, and fine dining to entertainment and family fun. The Market’s mission is to increase the number of minority and women-owned businesses while fostering operational excellence. All are welcome to visit, shop, support their mission, and enjoy.
8109 Mall Pkwy.
Stonecrest, GA
Online: newblackwallstreetmarket.com
3. Tour African American Burial Ground Tours at Historic Oakland Cemetery
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Throughout February, Historic Oakland Foundation hosts free guided walking tours of Oakland Cemetery’s historic African American Burial Grounds, with stops at the final resting places of a few Atlanta pioneers, including Carrie Steele Logan, founder of Atlanta’s first orphanage for African American children; William Finch, one of Atlanta’s first African American city councilmen; Bishop Wesley John Gaines and Julia A. Gaines, pastor and First Lady of Big Bethel A.M.E. Church; and Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first African American mayor. While the tour is free, donations are greatly appreciated. Registration is required.
248 Oakland Ave. S.E.
Atlanta
Online: oaklandcemetery.com
4. Visit the ELDER Project at Freedom Park
Designated as Atlanta’s Art Park by the city of Atlanta, Freedom Park's ELDER Project honors the trees and the people that make up the community surrounding the David T. Howard School. The school is important in Atlanta history as a reflection of the Old 4th Ward neighborhood, with graduates including Martin Luther King, Jr, Walt Clyde Frazier, Maynard Jackson, Lonnie King and many notable others. Since the closure of David T. Howard High School in 1976, the alumni have acted with pride and passion to preserve the legacy of this school and its place in the community.
Moreland Ave. NE & North Ave. NE
Atlanta
Online: freedompark.org
5. See the 2023 Black History Month Parade
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Be a part of the largest Black History Month celebration in the Southeast. Head to the Historic Sweet Auburn District in Downtown Atlanta for a day filled with fun and fanfare. Details will be announced soon for 2023. In past years, the parade has included marching bands, floats, drum lines from HBCUs, and much more.
Online: blackhistorymonthparade.com
6. Explore the City of Roswell Celebrates Black History with Exhibits & More
Celebrate Black History Month throughout February in Roswell. You'll find an abstract exhibit at Roswell Cultural Arts Center, a student art exhibit at Roswell City Hall, a quilting exhibit in remembrance of lives lost at the River Landing, a virtual black history student brain bowl, a Super Sunday at 3 museums, a Black History 101 mobile museum at the Bill Johnson Community Building, and an African-American Inventors exhibit at Mimosa Hall.
Roswell, GA
Online: roswellgov.com
7. Visit The National Center for Civil & Human Rights
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The National Center for Civil and Human Rights believes in justice and dignity for all, and the power of people to make this idea real. They inspire visitors with immersive exhibitions, dynamic events and conversations, and engagement and education/training programs. Be sure to download their “Across Generations” intergenerational conversation starter for you to use on your visit.
100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. N.W.
Atlanta
Online: civilandhumanrights.org
8. Visit the MLK National Historical Park
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What do you know about the Civil Rights Movement? Learn something new about the people from the past—famous and not so famous—who played a part in the movement. The Visitor Center, Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Freedom Hall are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. The Birth Home is open for tours Monday through Friday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for small groups of at most 10 people. Fire Station No. 6 is staffed by park volunteers and is open when volunteers are available. All sites are free to the public.
450 Auburn Ave. N.E.
Atlanta
Online: nps.gov
Related: National Parks That Atlanta Families Love (& Amazing Cabins Nearby)
