We can all agree that Black History is an important part of American history. February is Black History Month and what better time to learn and celebrate the history of those who paved the way for freedom, equality and civil rights for all. We’ve rounded up a list of places sure to inspire, engage and more importantly, educate our youth about black culture and more. Plan your visits now–you don’t want to miss out!
This year Art of the African Diaspora celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Bay Area Black Artists Exhibition at Richmond Art Center! This vibrant art center has classes, exhibitions and events that cater to schools, community centers and the Richmond Public Library. For Black History Month, they have partnered again with the Art of African Diaspora for a special event highlighting the work of 100 artists that is sure to be fun and educational for families. You can enjoy this programming through March 19.
MoAD, a contemporary art museum, celebrates Black cultures, ignites challenging conversations, and inspires learning through the global lens of the African Diaspora. This month, you can engage in activities including poetry readings by local artists, a special concert in collaboration with SFJAZZ, with Martin Luther McCoy and new exhibits: Amoako Boafo: Soul of Black Folks and Billie Zangewa: Thread for a Web Begun. Checkthe website for details on this and other programs.
The Oakland Museum of California is happy to welcome visitors back onsite. It is also continuing its OMCA at Home program with fun projects and seminars for families of all ages. Check out the virtual tour of Black Power, an exhibition that explores the history of the Black Power movements in California and the Bay Area’s role. COVID-19 Update: Masks and proof of vaccination are required for entry starting Feb.1.
This museum has been dedicated to discovering and sharing the historical and cultural experiences of African Americans in California. The second-floor museum regularly hosts traveling and original exhibitions that highlight the art, history and culture of Black history. Check out their wide variety of online classes and special programming.
Are you a baseball family? A trip to Oracle Park is sure to please as the park boasts a statue of one of the most well-known baseball players: Willie Mays. Mays spent most of his 22-season Major League Baseball career playing for the San Francisco Giants. Learn about his history starting with the Negro American League and visit the statue on your next trip to San Francisco. While you're at the statue, get the kids to count the palm trees in Willie Mays Plaza. Fun Fact: When they find 24, see if they can guess that the 24 palm trees represent Mays' jersey number.
San Francisco Symphony's Educational Video "Musical Heroes: Stories of African-American Composers" This hour long video discovers the lives and achievements of three African-American composers, William Still, Florence Price and George Walker and the lasting impact they have had on the musical landscape: .
History is truly all around us. A visit to the Presidio can teach kids about Buffalo Soldiers, the famous Black cavalrymen who were stationed there from 1902-1903. The Presidio marks a key time in the history of the participation of Black people in the armed forces. They fought with Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders, fighting bandits and patrolling Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon.
With an emphasis on the power of community, this organization has a mission to empower and connect through culture. The AAACC is a great place for our youth to learn about Black history. They are all about expression with art, education and special programs while supporting local Bay Area artists. Check out some of their virtual programming and exhibits like The Black Woman is God: Reclaim, Reconfigure, Re–Remember.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at Yerba Buena Gardens | San Francisco
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Peace and the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. are often synonymous. Take in the vision of peace and unity at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at the Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco. You’ll get to see his inspiring words, poems and images from the Civil Rights Movement surrounding a beautiful waterfall.
In 2010, this park was named in honor of Ralph Dewitt House, a park champion who devoted himself to public service. House was a driving force and leader in ensuring open space in the Bayview community. He founded the Bayview Hill Neighborhood Association and was its president from 1985 through 2004. He volunteered his time tirelessly and empowered others to advocate for their communities. Be sure tovisit this park soon and take in the beautiful views of the city's southeast.
Travel back in time to see how African-American artists had the courage to let their art speak on their behalf. Produced by artist Louise Shields, the 8th Annual Black History Month exhibit is on display at the Gilroy Center for the Arts through Feb. 28. Celebrating Black Artists from Around the World; Past and Present is sure to be a colorful and enlightening lesson for all families stopping by. Be sure to check the center’s website for more details and a corresponding virtual presentation that honors female artists/activists.
Perhaps you pass them every day during your commute, or you live in a neighborhood adjacent to some. Regardless, Portland’s many landmarks and locations involving Black History stand for us to visit and admire year round, this month especially. It’s that time of year to educate, respect and appreciate the wealth of Black History Portland holds, and what better way than to lace on your tennis shoes and head out for a walking tour? Historical landmarks are aplenty and so are our recommendations of where to visit. Read on for more!.
Central City Concern
Golden West Building
The third and final site included in U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer's appeal for ensured protection is the Golden West Hotel. Located on the corner of Broadway and Everett in NW Portland, you and your family are sure to have passed this historic building numerous times. Now it is used as space for subsidized housing but did you know it used to be a hotel? In fact, it was the first hotel in Portland to allow African Americans to stay as guests! Starting in 1906, the hotel acted as crucial housing for Black transient workers as they helped build north American railroad lines. Further, it became a gathering place of the NW Portland Black community, as several Black congregations were located nearby. Of course, there is much more to be learned about a building with such a seasoned history. If you find you and the family in northwest Portland soon, you should take the time to stop by so the next to you pass it, it'll mean more than just its name.
Live in northeast? Great, you're probably just blocks away from this historical site! Located in Portland's Eliot neighborhood, Mt. Olivet Baptist Church marks the beginning of Black congregations in the city. Built in 1923, Mt. Olivet Baptist Church has stood for nearly a hundred years and served as a hub for Portland civil rights organizations between the years 1923 and 1973. U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer is currently nominating Mt. Olivet Baptist Church to be added to the National Registry of Historic Places. If successful, this will ensure protection of the church from demolition and guarantee that you and your family have a place to visit for many Black History Months to come!
8501 N Chautauqua Blvd. (503) 596-2944 Online: mtolivet.com
Located in Portland's northeast neighborhood between N Shaver and N Failing Street sits Unthank Park. This community hub offers numerous amenities and activities for you and your family like basketball courts, playgrounds and baseball fields! Beyond the nature of the park, though, is its history. Unthank Park is named after Dr. DeNorval Unthank who worked in several Portland hospitals (Providence, Good Sam, etc.) and engaged heavily in public service work. The city of Portland dedicated the naming of this park to him in 1969 for his work against racial discrimination. So whether your family are more sports fanatics or picnic goers, head to Unthank Park this Black History Month to honor Dr. Unthank and his accomplishments!
Take your kids on a field trip to this local community center that was renamed in2012, in honor of Charles Jordan, Portland’s first African-American City Commissioner and Portland Parks & Recreation Director. Known as the force behind the creation of beloved Portland landmarks like Pioneer Courthouse Square, the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center, Delta Park, and Southwest Community Center, Charles Jordan broadened the agenda of the environmental movement and land conservation to make it more inclusive on a national stage. Additionally, he is known for putting people of color at the heart of the American Conservation Movement.
The parks has been renovated with new playground area, pathways, irrigation improvements, and other park amenities that little and big Portlanders will love and enjoy year round. Now it's also the perfect place to give your child a quick Oregon Black History lesson.
Along with Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer is requesting that NE Hancock Street's Dean's Beauty Salon and Barber Shop be added to the list of protected historical places. Since 1956, Dean's has been serving the Portland community and is Portland's oldest Black-owned salon! This space is a coveted staple of the Black community of Portland and still flaunts its 50s charm for us today. Take the family for a photo and appreciate this Black owned business that will surely go down in history.
ComicCon, COVID Vaccinations and Black History Month - the Oregon Convention Center [OCC] truly does it all. But this month, don't worry about donning a mask and going inside. This historical landmark can be enjoyed outside in the courtyard! While the Oregon Convention Center has over 20 art displays, "The Dream" statue boldly represents Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as he delivers his revolutionary speech. Built in 1990 by sculptor Michael Florin Dente, this is a monument you and the family must surely visit on your February walking tour of Portland's historical sites. Linked below is an online map detailing all 23 of the OCC's installations and information regarding each one!
This month is dedicated to celebrating Black History Month, right? And what's a celebration without wine? Great question! I'm sure the folks at Abbey Creek Vineyard have the answer you're looking for, and being a parent, we're always looking for ways incorporate a little red, white, or rosé into our jam-packed days. Abbey Creek Vineyard is spearheaded by Bertony Faustin, a.k.a. Portland's first Black wine maker! Their tasting rooms, known as Cricks at Abbey Creek, have delicious selections of wines and snacks that you have certainly earned after a day spent walking through Portland. And, bonus points, they switch up the typical winery vibe and play hip-hop music that is sure to get you reenergized! Make sure to plan a stop at one of Abbey Creek's Cricks on your Portland tour.
Margaret Loise Carter was born in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1935. She graduated salutatorian of her senior class. She escaped an abusive relationship by moving to Oregon where she became a teacher's assistant in the Portland Public Schools. After attending and graduating from Portland State University in 1972, she enrolled for her Masters in educational psychology and eventually ended up working as a counselor at PCC.Sen. Margaret Carter’s personal and professional association with the college covers five decades, when she began taking classes at the Cascade Campus to support her baccalaureate studies. In 1984 she rand for state office and became the first African American woman elected to Oregon legislature and spent serving in either the House or Senate for the next 28 years. Take your family to Carter's old school stomping grounds where they can check out PCC Margaret Carter Technology Education Building: a tribute to this history making woman.
705 N Killingsworth St Portland, OR Online: pcc.edu
All Power to the People: Remembering the Legacy of the Black Panther Party
While this isn't a site to see nor a historical place, it is a great way to encapsulate the entire idea that is protecting and appreciating Black history in Portland. This program, hosted at the Cerimon House in northeast Portland by Vanport Music, includes many different live performances detailing the history of the Black Panther Party in Portland. With three different days of events spanning a wide range of topics, all of which are free and open to the public, there is more knowledge to be gained than there is time. Jot down one of these spectacular live events in your calendar and bring you and your family to revel in the importance that is Black history in our city.
Cerimon House - 5131 NW 23rd Ave.1 Free Online: here
If your family is looking for a hands-on way to celebrate Black History month in Boston, why not head out in search of important landmarks, monuments and museums. From the early days of slavery to exhibits that showcase the contributions of Black Americans, kids will learn lots while exploring and playing.
Boston Black: A City Connects
@Gus Freedman
Because kids learn through play, bring your curious cuties to the Boston Children’s Museum to experience the rich and diverse Black communities that call Boston home. The concepts of race, ethnicity, identity and community are the backdrop of this hands-on exhibit where kids can help decorate a float for an Afro-Caribbean celebration or dance like no one’s watching at Café Sodade. What a great way for kids to learn about the neighborhoods and cultures that surround them everyday.
Linked by the 1.5 mile Black Heritage Trail, you’ll find about two dozen sites on the north face of Beacon Hill that encompass the most pre-Civil War Black-owned historic buildings (think: homes, businesses, schools and churches) in the U.S. Families can take a self-guided tour of the area any time of year or wait for ranger-led group tours to return this spring. Remember to pull out the scavenger hunt and work to earn a junior ranger badge when you walk it with the kids.
Good to know: One of the most recognizable monuments here is the 54th Regiment & Robert Gould Shaw Memorial on the northeast corner of Boston Common that honors one of the first African American regiments of the Civil War.
Another important building you’ll see along the Black Heritage Trail is the Museum of African American History. It’s hard to miss its “African Meeting House” sign hung out front. Walk through its doors to see authentic representations of 18th and 19th century life for African Americans in its exhibits, programs and educational activities. Tickets are required.
Good to know: The next time you’re on Nantucket, visit the museum’s campus there to learn about a thriving 19th century African American community on the island.
While it’s the oldest public park in the country, Boston Common is also the end point of Dr. Martin Luther King’s 1965 Civil Rights March (the first in the Northeast) that started in Roxbury. More than 20,000 people marched down Columbus Avenue on that day.
A tribute to three phenomenal women who called Boston home, this memorial is located on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. Take time to read about literary prodigy Phillis Wheatley. Wheatley was born in West Africa and sold into slavery, and her book, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, was the first to be published by an African in America.
Commonwealth Avenue Mall 484 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, MA Online:boston.gov
Local Parks & Playgrounds
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Because our kids always need room to roam and swings to swing on, a couple of city playgrounds have made our list. Add a history lesson to your next park playdate when you visit Malcolm X Park, named after the prominent human rights leader and activist. Or bring your tots to climb and slide on the equipment at James H Roberts Memorial Playground. Roberts was a community leader and WWII veteran who spent nearly 30 years at the State Treasury Department.
Malcolm X Park 150 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Boston, MA
James H. Roberts Memorial Playground 112 Hooker St. Boston, MA
Because we love all things kids, we’re crushing hard on these colorful murals by local muralist and dad, Rob “ProBlak” Gibbs. This visual artist and organizer sees his graffiti art as a way to “document and pay homage to underserved communities.” We’re looking forward to his next big public installation—it’ll be coming to The Greenway mural at Dewey Square in May of this year.
Black history is all around you at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, whether you’re wandering the Africa collection, marveling at the Robert Owen Lehman Collection of art from West Africa in the Benin Kingdom Gallery or admiring the contemporary art of Lauren Halsey’s The Banner Project. Parent bonus? Kids 6 and under are always free.
Hours: Thu.-Mon., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Avenue of the Arts 465 Huntington Ave. Boston, MA Online:www.mfa.org
National Center for Afro American Artists
Another great spot for art is the National Center for Afro American Artists in Roxbury. Explore artists of the African diaspora at its galleries housed in the historic Abbotsford Estate. The NCAAA is also home to the Black Nativity (written by Langston Hughes), a cherished seasonal tradition.
Take a walk through time at the historic Royall House and Slave Quarters in Medford. Once home to the largest slave-owning family and the enslaved Africans who lived there, families can tour both buildings. The Colonial mansion hosted many famous historical figures like George Washington, while the slave quarters are believed to be "the only surviving freestanding slave quarters in the Northeast." There is a fee to tour the mansion, but visitors can explore the slave quarters for free, where they'll see exhibits that include materials unearthed on-site in the early 2000s.
Looking for ways to celebrate Black History Month in NYC? We compiled the following list of NYC museums, cultural institutions, monuments and more that celebrate and honor the history, culture and talents of Black Americans year-round, as well as special events and exhibits taking place to celebrate 2022’s Black History Month. (Many are free to visit, see and attend.) Read on for ideas of places in NYC to see with kids during Black History Month—or any month!
Black History Month 2022
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Black History Month at the New York Botanical Garden
All month long NYBG is hosting events in-person and online for kids and adults. Children's programming includes storytelling at the Everett Children's Adventure Garden and activity time to discover the cultural influences of the African Diaspora and reinforce the importance of green space and caring for the natural world.
Black Future Festival at Brooklyn Children's Museum
Brooklyn Children's Museum
Join BCM for a week of reflection and future-forward fun inspired by the national celebration of peoples of the African Diaspora and Black History Month. With the help of a curator from Àṣẹ Dance Theatre Collective, the museum will present interactive dance performances and a Genea-Djali workshop, plus storytelling inspired by Crown Heights, quilting and genealogy workshops, local eats and much more. Tickets must be reserved in advance.
African/American: Making the Nation’s Table at Museum of Food and Drink
MOFAD
The Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD) presents African/American: Making the Nation’s Table. Displayed within the newly-constructed home of partner The Africa Center at Aliko Dangote Hall, this first-of-its-kind exhibition celebrates the countless contributions of Black chefs, farmers, and food and drink producers who have laid the foundation for American food culture. Highlights include the Legacy Quilt, which depicts, a selection of hundreds of stories; those who wish can contribute their own stories via an online interactive component. Also on display is the Ebony Magazine Test Kitchen—saved from wreckage thanks to preservationists Landmarks Illinois and accessible to the public for the first time in history. Described by The Chicago Tribune as “the most distinctive test kitchen ever created,” it was the site where recipes from Ebony food editors created dishes such as oyster gumbo to sweet potato pudding. The multisensory experience features a soundtrack curated by musician, farmer and chef Kelis, and video interviews with former Ebony food editors.
Opens February 23, Wed-Sun., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 1280 5th Ave. East Harlem 201-371-3550 Online: mofad.org
The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure
The National Jazz Museum in Harlem
Coinciding with Black History Month, Walt Disney’s regional jazz exhibit, “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure,” will open at The National Jazz Museum in Harlem on Feb. 10. Kids will recognize Joe Gardner – the musician, mentor and teacher from Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” – on a tour as they discover the rich and surprising history of jazz. The exhibit was Introduced at The American Adventure inside EPCOT at Walt Disney World, and illustrates the many different cultures and creators who influenced this evolving genre. While in Harlem, the exhibit will include a unique collection of artifacts curated by The National Jazz Museum, including a player piano, a working 78rpm Victrola and Duke Ellington’s white grand piano. Additionally, there will be maquettes of characters Joe Gardner and Dorothea Williams, and virtual experiences via the Play Disney Parks app.
Tickets: Free. Tickets must be reserved in advance. Feb. 10-Aug. 31, 2022 Thurs.-Sat., Noon-5 p.m. National Jazz Museum in Harlem 58 W. 129th St. Online: jmih.org
It's an amazing thing that you can visit legend Louis Armstrong's house in Queens, and in honor of Black History Month the museum is offering a special tour highlighting Armstrong’s relationship to civil rights in America from February 10 26. The Armstrong Archival Collections, which are among the most significant Black archival collections in the world and the largest single jazz archives in the world, document Armstrong’s life as a seminal figure in the histories of civil rights, social justice, African-American culture, music, and film. Get tickets for that tour ($12-15/person) here.
Open Thurs. - Sat. Tickets: $12-15/person; free/kids five and under Louis Armstrong House Museum 34-56 107th St. Corona 718-478-8274 Online: louisarmstronghouse.org
Founded in 1914, the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem has been a major cultural force and venue for American music and artists, showcasing genres such as jazz, R & B, gospel, soul and hip-hop. Its world-famous amateur night began in 1934, with many future legends taking the stage early in their career. Other giants of music and entertainment who have performed here include Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Sarah Vaughn and Billie Holiday.
Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling
Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling
Located in the neighborhood that served as the heart of the Harlem Renaissance, the Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling works to provide children with the opportunity to see and talk about art, as well as make art from their own stories. The museum seeks to support kids challenged by poverty by fostering creative and cognitive skills that prepare children for social and academic success.
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is dedicated to the research, preservation, and exhibition of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences. The research library also hosts public programs and exhibitions, as well as events such as the popular Black Comic Book Festival. Check out the Center’s Black Liberation List for Young Readers.
515 Malcolm X Blvd. (135th St and Malcolm X Blvd.) Harlem 917-275-6975 Online: nypl.org/locations
Founded in 1968, The Studio Museum Harlem is the nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally and for work that has been inspired and influenced by Black culture. While it is currently closed, you can see more about its educational and community engagement programs here.
The Shabazz Center facilitates thought exchange around racial equity, justice, and cultural production in the spirit of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, his wife. The building was previously known as the Audubon Ballroom, and is where Malcolm X was assassinated on February 21, 1965. (The current center opened in 2005 after significant renovation and restoration.)
Founded by trailblazer Alvin Ailey in 1958 with the goal of celebrating black culture through dance, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater continues that tradition today. In addition to performances by its repertory companies, the theater offers workshops and classes for kids as young as two years old.
405 W. 55th St. Midtown 212-405-9000 Online: alvinailey.org
The largest and earliest African burial ground in the United States and a National Historic Landmark, the African Burial Ground dates from the middle 1630s to 1795. Discovered in 1991 during the construction of a building at 290 Broadway, it was determined to contain, over six acres, the intact skeletal remains of as many as 15,000 enslaved and free Africans. The site is now home to a public monument, where remains of more than 419 Africans are interred; an interpretive center, and research library to honor and commemorate the lives of enslaved and free Africans in colonial New York.
26 Wall St. Financial District 212-238-4367 Online: nps.gov
Before the land became part of Central Park, the area between W. 82nd and W. 89th Streets was home to Seneca Village, a predominantly Black Community. Built on what was previously farmland, Seneca Village existed from 1825 to 1857 and was exceptional in that about half of its Black residents owned their homes, which also provided a pathway to voting rights. You can take a virtual tour of Seneca Village here.
Between W. 82nd & W. 89th Streets Central Park Upper West Side Online: centralparknyc.org
A Great Day in Harlem Stoop
Wikimedia CC
On August 12, 1958, 57 jazz musicians gathered at 10 a.m. on a stoop in Harlem for what would be one of the most iconic images in music history. Among the giants of the form were Count Basie, Sonny Rollins, Dizzy Gillespie, Art Farmer, Thelonious Monk, Lester Young and Mary Lou Williams.
You can find two statues of the famous abolitionist, writer, orator and publisher in New York City. One, at the entrance to the New York Historical Society (you’ll find Abraham Lincoln at the other entrance) and a second near the northwest corner of Central Park. Find the eight-foot Gabriel Koren piece at Frederick Douglass Circle at 110th Street and Eighth Avenue.
170 Central Park West at 77th Street Upper West Side 212-873-3400 Online: nyhistory.org
Frederick Douglass Circle 110th Street and Eight Avenue Harlem Online: nycgovparks.org
This impressive tribute to composer, jazz musician and bandleader can be found at the northeast corner of Central Park at 110th Street and Fifth Avenue. Rendered in bronze by sculptor Robert Graham, the groundbreaking talent and longtime Harlem resident stands next to a grand piano, and the monument measures 25-feet-high.
Duke Ellington Circle 110th Street & Fifth Ave. Harlem Online: nycgovparks.org
Find this powerful bronze statue of trailblazing abolitionist Harriet Tubman at Harriet Tubman Square, located at the intersection of Frederick Douglass Boulevard, St. Nicholas Avenue and 122nd Street. Also known as "Swing Low", the sculpture is by Alison Saar. The figure of Tubman is shown pulling the roots of slavery out of the ground with faces on her dress representing the people she helped gain freedom through her work as the leader of the Underground Railroad.
Located in Central Brooklyn, Weeksville was one of the largest free Black communities in pre-Civil War America. Weeksville is home to the Hunterfly Road Houses, which were purchased by James Weeks and other investors in 1838 to create a community of Black land-owners, and you can visit them today. The Weeksville Heritage Center works to educate the public about Weeksville and similar communities, as well as serve as a center supporting Black culture, community and creativity and social justice initiatives.
Named for Brooklyn-born Shirley Chisholm, the first African American Congresswoman and the first woman and African American to run for President, this New York State Park is a waterside green space that opened in TK. Rising 130 feet above sea level, the park provides visitors with spectacular views of New York Harbor, Jamaica Bay, the Empire State Building and beyond. The park has 10 miles of bike trails and a bike loaner program, waterside access via a pier and patio, environmental education programs such as guided bird-watching and fishing.
Built in 1849 and located in Brooklyn Heights, the historic Plymouth Church was a major stop on the Underground Railroad, sometimes referred to as its "Grand Central Depot." Its first minister was abolitionist Henry Ward Beecher, brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe author of her anti-slavery novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin. Abraham Lincoln also visited and worshipped here in 1860—apparently he sat in pew 89!
The building at 227 Duffield Street in downtown Brooklyn is also an important place in New York's anti-slavery movement. Dating to the mid-19th century, the former residence of abolitionists Thomas and Harriet Truesdell is located on what is now called "Abolitionist Place." The area was a center of anti-slavery activism, containing numerous safe houses and stops on the Underground Railroad. Just this month, it received landmark status.
The world-renowned instrumentalist and vocalist Louis Armstrong AKA “Satchmo” settled in Corona, Queens with his wife Lucille in 1943, and never left. His home, now a National Historic Landmark, has been preserved in all its mid-century glory, and you can learn more about the man, his music and humanitarian work here.
Located in Staten Island, Sandy Ground is the oldest continuously inhabited free Black settlement in the United States. Established by oystermen who migrated from Maryland fleeing restrictive laws, the community also served as a crucial stop on the Underground Railroad. The Historical Society stages exhibits, events and offers tours, and contains the largest collection of documents detailing Staten Island’s African-American history and culture.
Celebrate Black History, Atlanta families, when you explore the city’s Civil Rights sites, landmarks, and museums
In Atlanta, we walk in the footsteps of Civil Rights leaders during Black History Month and every month. No matter what month it is, take the opportunity to honor and acknowledge Black contributions by taking a closer look at some of Atlanta’s (and our nation’s) most important historical sites—many of which we probably pass in carpool every day. Brush up on Black history with a Black history tour or history lesson, and see our city through entirely new eyes.
Black History Museums in Atlanta
Visit the Apex Museum
The Atlanta Black History Museum in the Sweet Auburn Historic District is packed with knowledge of the Black experience from Africa to America. While the museum focuses a great deal on slavery, it also takes a deep dive into African culture, Black inventors, and Black leaders. Exhibits span from “Africa the Untold Story,” where visitors can learn about the African continent over the past 6,000 years, to “Sweet Auburn Street Pride,” which helps visitors experience a more localized history of Black life in Atlanta.
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-Friday. The Birth Home is open for limited ranger-led tours. Fire Station No. 6 is staffed by park volunteers and is open when volunteers are available. All sites are free to the public.
During the 1920s, Auburn Avenue became the commercial center of Black Atlanta. The phrase "Sweet Auburn" was coined by businessman and civil rights activist John Wesley Dobbs, the Unofficial Mayor of Sweet Auburn, and the maternal grandfather of Atlanta's first Black mayor, Maynard Jackson. Today, the avenue is home to the Sweet Auburn Springfest, the Caribbean Festival & Parade, and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade. Here's the best way to spend a day in the Sweet Auburn Historic District: on a regular day, you'll find historical sites on every corner, small and large museums, and plenty of good places to grab lunch.
Begin your tour of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center by following the Civil Rights Walk of Fame, past the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, and proceed to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site Visitor Center, where you can reserve a ticket for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth home. Proceed east on Auburn to enter the King Center’s outdoor campus where you can view the crypt of Dr. and Mrs. King, the Eternal Flame, the Freedom Walkway, and the Reflecting Pool. Walk eastward along the pool to Freedom Hall, where you can learn more about Dr. King, Mrs. King, and The King Center through immersive exhibits.
Visit The National Center for Civil & Human Rights
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.
Morehouse College, founded in 1867, is a historically Black, private liberal arts college for men. One of the college’s most distinguished alumni is Martin Luther King, Jr., who graduated in 1948. Inside The Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel you'll find a Hall of Honor, with 158 oil portraits of world leaders in the civil and human rights movement, and a bust of Mahatma Gandhi. Outside, you'll find a bronze statue of Dr. King, and the burial crypt and towering obelisk for Dr. Howard Washington Thurman.
At the former site of Yates & Milton Drug Store, which is now the Student Center on the campus of Clark Atlanta University, you can find a Georgia Historical Society marker that tells the story of the Atlanta Student Movement, which began when three Morehouse College students—Lonnie King, Joseph Pierce, and Julian Bond—formed the Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights and involved all the historically Black institutions of the Atlanta University Center (AUC). AUC students conducted sit-ins at segregated lunch counters throughout Atlanta, movie theaters, parks, and the Georgia State Capitol. When the students targeted the Magnolia Room at Rich's Department Store in downtown Atlanta, Martin Luther King, Jr. and his brother A.D. King joined them and were arrested with 77 student demonstrators. Protests continued over the next year until desegregation was achieved.
Corner of James P. Brawley Dr. SW & Atlanta Student Movement Blvd. Atlanta
greg keelen via unsplash
Rep. John Lewis Mural
This 70-foot mural of the late Rep. John Lewis is located on the east side of the current Renaissance Walk building. Lewis was a politician and civil rights leader who served as the U.S. Representative for Georgia's 5th congressional district. Located in an area downtown with much historical significance, you'll be walking in Lewis' footsteps if you go to pay this mural a visit. The Butler Street YMCA building, where civil rights leaders met in the 1960s, is directly south of this mural, and dozens of historical churches and businesses surround it in the Sweet Auburn Historic District.
219 Auburn Ave. N.E. Atlanta
Atlanta History Center
The exhibit Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow at the Atlanta History Center explores the Black struggle for full citizenship and racial equality that unfolded in the 50 years following the Civil War. It was created by the New York Historical Society in collaboration with the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and has a particular focus on local stories and artifacts. After checking out this virtual exhibit, pay a visit to the Smith Family Farm on the grounds of the Atlanta History Center, then to the Swan House to imagine these historic sites through the eyes of Black people during the time of their full operation.
Each Sunday, visitors from around the globe join church members at the historic church where Dr. Martin Luther King served as Pastor—in person at Ebenezer or via Ebenezer Everywhere—to experience Ebenezer’s history. The doors are open to all, and in addition to visiting the original church, you should be sure to check out the Visitor's Center, the nearby King Center, Birth Home, World Peace Rose Garden, and Behold Monument.
African American Burial Grounds Tour at Oakland Cemetery
Throughout February, Historic Oakland Foundation hosts 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.
Civil Bikes brings a fresh perspective to Civil Rights. Explore Atlanta's history and human rights issues on a guided bike tour that takes you to places that make Atlanta unique. Check out an upcoming schedule of Atlanta walking and bike tours of greater Atlanta, Georgia's storied Sweet Auburn, and historic West End neighborhoods. All tours are family-friendly and can accommodate any level of cyclists (or walkers!). Once you register for your Civil Bikes walking or bike tour, you will receive an email with details on where and when to meet, where to park, what to bring, and more.
The Atlanta Black History Tour follows the trail of Atlanta’s Black history while illuminating black life and achievement in the city from pre-Civil War to the present day. Unlike bike or walking tours, the Atlanta Black History Tour allows you to relax in a comfortable motorcoach as you tour the historical landmarks of Atlanta. The tour showcases Atlanta’s Black neighborhoods and highlights the homes of its leading citizens.
In Savannah, you'll find The Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, which chronicles the civil rights struggle of Georgia's oldest Black community from slavery to the present.
Head to coastal Sapelo Island to experience African-influenced Gullah-Geechee culture. It's open for tours throughout the year.
It’s Black History Month, and while it’s a great reminder to celebrate Black lives and their historical contributions during the month of Feb., here at Tinybeans we aim to acknowledge and celebrate Black contributions daily. One of the ways to do that directly is by supporting Black-owned businesses. Here are just a few of the many wonderful Black-owned businesses in the DMV you can support now (and always) by shopping their family-friendly products and services.
In the City
Mahogany Books
iStock
Mahogany Books started in 2007 as an online bookstore specializing in books written for, by, or about people of the African diaspora. In 2017, it opened its first physical location in Washington, DC. in Anacostia. Created by husband and wife team, Derrick and Ramunda Young, they started it as a result for their love for culture, community and literature and their desire to see it empower others as it has empowered them.
DC's oldest Black-owned flower shop has been arranging flowers since 1945 in the U St. Corridor. These florists specialize in modern and edgy arrangements, but the can make any floral vision come to life. In addition to flowers, they also sell chocolate and fruit gift baskets, plants and more.
Insider tip: If you're looking to pick up your poesies in person, be sure to check out some must-see landmarks on U St. during Black History Month and every month.
1026 U St NW
U St. Corridor
Online: leesflowerandcard.com
The Sweet Lobby
Sweet Lobby
The Sweet Lobby, based on Capitol Hill's Barracks Row, is known for both its classic as well as its globally inspired flavor incarnations and specializes in French macarons, madeleines, éclairs, shortbread, canelés and more. Owner Dr. Winnette McIntosh Ambrose brings her Cupcake Wars prowess and her love of science, travel and baking to create these delectable desserts.
404 8th Street SE Capitol Hill 202-544-2404 Online: sweetlobby.com
Epic Everyday
Epic Everyday
When a couple of DC Moms got tired of seeing only fair-skinned princesses and could not find many images portraying Black and Brown boys in positive ways they decided to do something about it. The result is Epic Everyday, a collection of backpacks, t-shirts, towels and more featuring kids in a range of mocha-hued skin tones and hair types. The “epic” in Epic Everyday stands for Empowered, Positive, Innovative, and Creative. When it comes time for the kids to buy new a new backpack, lunch box, towels or sheets look local first!
Support this legendary landmark and you'll be treating yourself to a piece of history on a bun! Sink your teeth into the half-smoke at Ben’s Chili Bowl and you will be savoring perhaps the only food native to DC. It’s half pork-half beef and topped with a heaping of chili sauce. A longtime local favorite, the U Street location has been around since the 1950s, and even counts celebrities as fans, including and Barack Obama.
Founded by Vernon Woodland, plant-based NuVegan offerssoul-inspired comfort foods and has become a favorite staple with District vegans. Their juice bar churns out delicious smoothies, and who doesn’t love fried “chicken” and collard greens? Favorites like the Garvey burger,“chicken” drummieswith homemade honey mustard,and vegan lasagna get cheers all round. These laid back locations have speedy service; the Columbia Heights location is spacious enough to accommodate families.
Insider tip: Check the website for additional locations in VA and MD. A new location in Baltimore just opened.
2928 Georgia Ave. Columbia Heights 202-232-1700
Black Burn Center 2397 6th St. NW Howard University Campus
Roaming Rooster provides quality comfort food that customers feel good about eating. Their biggest motivator is making people happy. Whether it's during lunch hour on one of their food trucks or at a private event, excellent customer service is a huge part of their daily routine. Roaming Rooster's recipes are sure to spark an appetite in every lover of fried chicken, just follow the white truck with a red rooster, or visit their food truck schedules to see exactly where you can taste what everyone's talking about.
Looking for a way to start your morning in Arlington? Check out Ididos Coffee and Social House . The cafe offers a variety of coffee and espresso drinks, as well as breakfast pastries, sandwiches, and salads. According to its website, its namesake comes from “the Gedeo area of Yirgacheffee, Ethiopia, a region that is known for producing clean bright washed coffees dominated by citrus flavor.”
Puppet Heaven is a unique store that appeals to children and the young at heart. Owner Alban Odoulamy has been selling puppets and his artwork in Crystal City for decades. Alban hails from Benin, where he was formally trained in marionette puppetry and created set designs for children's television programs. The store is dedicated to keeping the art of puppeteering alive. You will find a variety of hand, finger, marionette, and shadow puppets from all over the world.
Strength 2 Love Farm II: This West Baltimore farm works to combat food deserts while also creating job opportunities. The vacant plot-turned-working farm primarily grows leafy greens, as well as okra, peppers, cucumbers, squash, radishes, beets, and flowers. They offer fresh, nutritious, great tasting produce at competitive prices to diverse retail, restaurant, institutional, and individual customers. For a list of regional Farmers Markets where you can pick up their produce, go here.
Not a coffee drinker, but still need a caffeinated kick in the morning? Ivy's Tea Co. is a MD based pop culture and Hip-Hop inspired holistic tea company. Owned and operated by first-generation herbalist Shanae Jones, she aims to introduce African holistic health remedies into the holistic health industry. Her goal is to make the industry as inclusive and reflective and accepting of all cultures as Hip-Hop.
Wilma’s Pancake and Waffle Batter was introduced to owner, Tamara Cole, by her grandmother, Wilma M. Hodge. Wilma's passion was creating exquisite southern cuisine. It was a true expression of her genuine love for her family and friends. Throughout Tamara’s life, she spent many hours learning her grandmother’s cooking techniques and recipes. While Wilma passed away in 2002, Tamara continues to practice and master several recipes (for family and friends) as a way of paying homage to her grandmother. Today, Tamara spreads her grandmother's joy of cooking at Bowie based, Wilma's Batter where she makes pancake batters in different flavors with all natural ingredients!
8309 Old Branch Ave. Clinton, MD 240-528-0155 Online: wilmasbatter.com
For almost 20 years, Baruch Ben-Yehudah has been serving up eclectic vegan soul food at Everlasting Life (ELife). It addition to dishing out healthy meals (Ben-Yehudah affectionally calls his establishment a hospirant (a hospital/restaurant) in honor of the restaurant's devotion to the communities nutritional needs), he also regularly donates massive amounts of free food to those in need.
Crowd favorites include two types of mac and cheese (cashew and soy), curried maple drumsticks, jerk “chicken,” and more. On weekends, brunch items tofu scramble, organic corn grits and whole wheat pancakes. If you or your tot is undecided, feel free to ask the friendly staff for samples.
Insider tip: Check ELife's Facebook page for upcoming events. The restaurant hosts comedy nights, sip & paint parties and more.
Every U.S. President since 1976 has designated the month of February as Black History Month, along with an accompanying theme. This year’s theme being Black Health and Wellness. Also known as African-American History Month, this annual celebration gives us the perfect opportunity to support black-owned businesses in Chicago and recognize the achievements and contributions of African-Americans to the success of our city. We’ve gathered a wide-range of virtual and in-person events, walking tours, exhibitions, activities and learning opportunities to honor Black History Month with kids in Chicago. Let’s celebrate!
MUSIC & FILM
Chicago Children's Choir
Chicago Children's Choir Chicago Children's Choir is presenting a free virtual Black History Month concert, Preserving and Persevering, on Feb. 26. Preserving and Persevering explores how the power of black music has been a cultural key in both preserving African traditions in America and in helping millions persevere in the face of racial injustice. Online: ccchoir.org
College of DuPage Experience two hours of nostalgia and joy with the heartfelt musical journey at McInich Art Center's Whitney Houston Tribute, Feb. 4. Online: atthemac.org
ART
Art Institute of Chicago (ARTIC)
Southside Community Arts Center We Are Here: Women in the Center's Collectionfeatures artworks made by women artists in the Center's collection. The exhibition provides an opportunity to think about the materiality of Black women's art, while also expanding biographical and visual information on Black women artists. Online: sscartcenter.org
The Art Institute of Chicago Artist Bisa Butler's portraits quilts vividly capture personal and historical narratives of black life. Art Institute of Chicago displayed 20 of her works in 2021 and you can watch a video of the exhibit. Online: youtube.com
Cleve Carney Museum of Art The Cleve Carney Museum of Art located on the College of DuPage campus presents Ayanah Moore:I Wish I Could Be You More Often, Feb. 10-Apr. 10. Moor is an artist whose work explores blackness, gender, desire and language. Online: theccma.org/ayanah-moor
MUSEUM EXHIBITS
Field Museum
Museum of Science & Industry MSI's Black Creativity: Juried Art Exhibition is the nation’s longest-running exhibition of African-American Art, presenting nearly 200 works of art from emerging and established African American artists, thru Apr. 14. Online: msichicago.org
The Field Museum The Field Museum is hosting a variety of online programs throughout February that highlight and amplify Black voices and stories. The live and pre-recorded events include a mix of Black History-themed behind-the-scenes tours, virtual exhibition viewings, and panel discussions with museum scholars. Online: fieldmuseum.org
DuSable Museum of African American History The groundbreaking immersive, The March, recreates one of the most iconic moments in American history, the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The video features a selection of noteworthy individuals and activists reading sections of the speech, underscoring the parallels between the Civil Rights Movement of the 60s and the global non-violent demonstrations of today. Online: dusablemuseum.org
American Writers Museum Originally on view at the American Writers Museum in 2019, Frederick Douglass: Agitator is now available virtually. Visitors can see the original content from the exhibit that explores the later life of writer and orator Frederick Douglass, learn about his use of portraiture, download curriculum and more. Online: americanwritersmuseum.org
Monument to the Great Northern Migration At Martin Luther King Jr. Drive & 26th Place, you'll find Alison Saar's bronze figure that stands as a testament to the thousands of African-Americans who migrated to Chicago in the early 20th century in search of greater freedom and opportunity. One of the traveler's hands is raised in salutation to his new home and in his other hand, he carries a suitcase symbolic of his journey, dreams and talents. The statue is oriented to the north to symbolize the traveler's destination. Online: chicago.gov
Victory Monument The Victory Monument is one of the most famous landmarks for Chicago's African-American Community and is part of the National Register of Historic Places. The monument was built to honor the 8th Regiment of the Illinois National Guard, which became the 370th Infantry of the 93rd Division upon the start of World War 1. They saw action in France as the last regiment pursuing retreating German Forces in the Aisne-Marne region just before the war broke. Online: choosechicago.com
Obama's Kissing Rock Black History Month also happens to encompass Valentine's Day. So, in the spirit of marrying the two, visit the sweetest Presidential memorial. On. The. Planet. Barack and Michelle Obama shared their first kiss in 1989 in front of a once-upon-a-time Baskin-Robbins on Chicago's southside and it's been commemorated with a simple rock with a metallic plaque. Online: atlasobscura.com
Home of Emmett Till Emmett Till was a 14-year-old African-American who became an icon of the civil rights movement after he was lynched while visiting Mississippi in 1955. The South Side Home (6427 S. St. Lawrence Ave.) he shared with his mother was granted landmark status this past January to shield it from demolition or alteration. This is the first step for non-profit owners Blacks in Green to convert the home into a museum.
Bronzeville Walk of Fame The honorees in the Bronzeville Walk of Fame have made extraordinary contributions to the African-American community, including Ida B. Wells, Gwendolyn Brooks, and astronaut Robert H. Lawrence. Ninety-one bronze plaques on medians, sidewalks and crosswalks stretch 10 blocks and the Monument to the Great Northern Migration and Victory Monument frame the permanent outdoor exhibit. Online: enjoyillinois.com
FOOD
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Chicago Black Restaurant Week The 6th annual Chicago Black Restaurant Week runs Feb. 6-20 and celebrates the city's black-owned restaurants with incredible food and delicious deals. Check their website for a list of participating restaurants. Online: chiblackrestaurantweek.com
Mariano's Mariano's is honoring Black History Month with a line-up of events celebrating influential members in the Black food community. Online: marianos.com
Chicago Public Libary Join Ms. Anna via Zoom for Preschool Storytime featuring stories, songs and activities honoring traditional African American rhymes, authors and history. Offered Wednesdays in February. Online: chipublib.bibliocommons.com
Chicago Public Libary's monthly craft program will focus on Black History Month with clay model constellations celebrating Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to travel into space, Feb. 5. Online:chipublib.bibliocommons.com
On Feb. 16, PIck up a Healing Bead Bracelet Grab and Go Kitcomplete with supplies and instructions in celebration of African American Heritage Month and its 2022 focus on mental health and physical awareness. Create the bracelet at your leisure and then join a Zoom presentation with Miss Stephanie on Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. Online: chipublib.bibliocommons.com
Zoom with Chicago Park District for a one-hour interactive virtual program presenting a variety of art from dance and theater to poetry and music to highlight the achievements of historical African American heroes, Feb. 24.
A celebration at Loyola Park will include black-owned businesses located in Rogers Park, music, spoken words, historical remembrances and a pop-up display featuring artwork by Chicago Public School students and other educational programs, Feb. 27.
Visit the Chicago Park District website for on-demand activities and the "Named in Their Honor" series featuring iconic individuals with namesake parks that contributed to the fabric of our city.
Black History Month is an important observance that when celebrated by attending well organized and educational events, both in-person and online, can help your family understand and support the Black community year-round. As James Baldwin said, Black history is American history. There’s much to celebrate and honor, and a lot of work to be done toward racial justice. So how can you and your children celebrate, learn and engage with Black history in Portland? Read on for ways to involve the whole family this February and beyond.
Portland Jazz Festival
Spencer C. via Yelp
Presented this year by PDX Jazz, a local jazz organization, the Portland Jazz Festival enters its 19th consecutive year of celebrating jazz and Black History Month This year's festivities feature GRAMMY Award Winners, as well as local artists! Whether your family members are die-hard jazz lovers who wouldn't mind spending a few bucks on tickets for select performances, or wouled prefer to attend one of the many free musical shows, options are not in short supply. Head online for more information about performance scheduling, ticket pricing, and of course, the COVID-19 policy and then get jazzy with it!
Maybe you are crunched with work and the little ones are too tired to get out of the house. Don't worry. This event is online and geared to the tiniest of tots. If you are a new parent, or a parent with a child up to age 6, this is the event for you! Set the laptop up and jump in for a live storytelling experience, a bit of singing, and a whole lot of fun. This event is only thirty minutes, the perfect amount of time to keep your little one engaged, entertained and learning. Head online to register via Zoom, free of charge!
This February, OPB is publishing a 30 minute special that will air on TV and be available online, documenting Oregon's Black Pioneers. In this special, OPB will cover the centuries-long story that covers the African American from the late 18th century to the present. Gather the family around a computer, iPad, or television to learn about the Black Pioneers of Oregon from the comfort of your own home! Flexible, free, and full of educational material, this is an event you can be sure will enrich your family this Black History Month!
Perhaps you and your family have always wanted to know a little bit more than free readings, talks or a chapter of a book at school could deliver. Look no further than Simon Education, an online schooling program that is offering a month long event geared towards Black History! Spanning the nearly 250,000 years of Black history, your child will follow the two child superheros as they relive the events and evolution that is Black history throughout time. This event does require a donation, about $10 per family, and doles out much more knowledge than money is worth! Grab the kids and work your way through the four modules of awe and inspiration together.
Take things back to the start of it all: Africa. Through films and their unique storytelling capacities, this year's Annual Cascade Festival is honoring the cultural and historical saga that is Africa. Films like Diatribe: From the Village to the Streets or Casablanca Beats take viewers from past to present and everywhere in between. Films are being shown through the beginning of March, so don't sweat the timing too much! There is an opportunity every weekend to spend some quality time with the family in front of the big screen.
"Let's go Blazers!". This is a phrase you and your family must know well if you know the Trail Blazers. Whether you're big into sports or just when your friends make you sit through a game, this Black History Month event hosted by Portland's NBA team is one you'll surely not want to miss! Friday, February 21st marks another year of the annual celebration by the Trail Blazers and will feature live performances, fundraising opportunities, and, you guessed it, sick Trail Blazers swag! Fundraising will be for the Black Education Achievement Movement, an organization driven to help African youth pursue furthered education. So pop on all your sports apparel, grab the kids and head to the MODA center this February to get involved and give back!
Where: MODA Center, 1 N Center Ct St., When: Feb.12, 2 p.m. Online:here
Clinton Street Theater's Hidden Colors
Come out for another film screening at Portland's Clinton Street Theater this February! The theater is showing Tariq Nasheed's Hidden Colors, a documentary highlighting African and aboriginal historical stories that have been left out of the mainstream voice. Listen to featured voices of scholars, social movement leaders, and historians as they unpack the largely untold history of Black History Month! This is sure to be a memorable experience, so head to Clinton Street Theater's website to secure the family's tickets now!
Where: Clinton Street Theater, 2522 SE Clinton St. When: February 9, 16, 22 Online:here
Black Love Day Comedy Show & Fundraiser
Maybe your children are a bit older, and maybe you have some money to spend. If that sounds right, then this is the Black History Month event for you. Built around Black Love Day, a prequel to Valentine's Day that expresses and discusses love within Black culture, this comedy show and fundraiser is a catered evening full of food, drinks, and hilarity. Come ready to dine, drink and donate, laugh, love and laugh some more all night long!
Where: The Suite Spot PDX, 24-32 NW 2nd Ave., When: Feb. 13 Cost: $60 - $300 Online:here
Explore one of DC’s many historically Black neighborhoods and Black historic sites and landmarks in celebration of Black History Month this February. From reflecting on the Civil Rights movement on the National Mall to getting a hands-on education about Black Civil War regiments at the African American Civil War Museum, we’ve rounded up some of the most notable sites and some off-the-beaten path locations to help guide you when exploring Black history here in DC.
Home of the Bison, this historically Black university sits on the edge of the U St. corridor (see below) in DC's Shaw neighborhood. Famous graduates includes our first Black, first Asian and first woman Vice President Kamala Harris, the Supreme Court's first Black justice Thurgood Marshall, author Toni Morrison, the first Black mayor of NYC David Dinkins and more. The university's library, Founders Library, is listed on the national registry of historic places; it's bell tower can be seen prominently beyond campus.
Editor's Note: Founder's Library is temporarily closed to the public.
This memorial depicting one of the first Black Union regiments formed during the Civil War is on permanent display in the National Gallery of Art. The bronze work of art depicts Colonel Robert Gould Shaw parading to the Boston docks before departing for South Carolina with his troop. When you visit, be sure to check out this National Park Service guide that shares the 1,500 names of the men who served this regiment.
Constitution Ave. NW, Between 3 & 9th St. National Mall Online:nga.gov
Stretching two blocks on 16th St. (south of K St.), the Black Lives Matter Plaza feature a boldly painted yellow mural in all caps declaring: Black Lives Matter. The Plaza along with a street sign bearing the same name, were dedicated on June 5, 2020 (the birthday of Breonna Taylor). Originally used as grounds for demonstrations due to the close proximity to the White House, in Oct. of 2021 it became a permanent installation and remains a pedestrian-friendly walkway where people often come to photograph the 50 ft. letters.
Starting at K & 16 St. Downtown DC
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
Frederick Douglas National Historic Site
It took two generations to establish and restore this spot as a National Historic Site. Cedar Hill, the Southeast DC home where escaped slave turned preeminent orator and scholar,Frederick Douglass, lived his final years. Now serving as an educational center, Cedar Hill runs tours, and sponsors family-friendly events throughout the year, including Douglass’s birthday celebration.
Insider Tip: You can tour this property from the comfort of your home here.
1411 W St., SE Anacostia 202-426-5961 Online: nps.gov
The U St. corridor was once known as the Black Broadway district. Flanked by Howard Theatre on the east end and 14th St. on the west, this neighborhood was DC's cultural epicenter from the early 1900s to the mid '60s. Explore this cultural stomping ground by starting at Howard Theatre, the iconic stage where legends like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday and Nat King Cole got their start and heading northwest and pass the Bohemian Caverns (a former speakeasy hidden by a first floor pharmacy where Duke Ellington was a frequent performer), and continue west to historic Lincoln Theatre; don't forget to stop in near-by DC landmark Ben's Chili Bowl, a black-owned
Pay tribute to the iconic abolitionists Mary and Emily Edmonson. The bronze memorial at 1701 Duke St. in Alexandria (directly across the street from Whole Foods) sits steps away from the former the Bruin's Jail where the sisters, then 15 and 13, were held after they tried to escape the clutches of slavery on a New Jersey-bound schooner, The Pearl. The sisters were later freed by their father (with the help of a abolitionist and minister Henry Ward Beecher) when he paid $2,250 for their emancipation. Bruin's Jail is now an office building, but you can read the historical plague in front of it at 1707 Duke Street.
To honor the most powerful voice of the Civil Rights movement, this memorial has 15 quotes etched in granite to inspire the next generation. From "Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope" on the Martin Luther King Jr. statue to "True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice" on the north wall, these inscriptions etched in granite offer a chance for families to collectively reflect on some of Martin Luther King Jr's most moving words.
Take a ten minute walk from the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and you will reach the steps of the Lincoln Memorial where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his most famous speech, "I Have a Dream." Step into history; eighteen steps from the top of the memorial is an inspiration dedicated to the very spot Martin Luther King Jr. stood when he addressed the crowd of 250,000 on the National Mall.
Editor's Tip: Take part in history! Download the "I Have a Dream" speech from PBS and listen to it as you stand in the very spot it was delivered. You'll also find educational lessons to do at home on the PBS site.
2 Lincoln Memorial Cir. NW National Mall Online:nps.gov/linc/
This church is the oldest Black church in Washington, DC. Once a slave and tobacco trading site in the early 1800s, it became a church in 1816 and later a station on the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. It is believed a vault on the Burial Grounds was used to hide enslaved people as they made their way north. You can learn more about the church's history as well as the original Black citizens of Georgetown at the church's Heritage Center (2906 O Street). To note: tours are by appointment only. Other near-by points of interest on Georgetown's African American Heritage Trail include Rose Park Recreation Center, the John H. Fleet residence, the Emma V. Brown residence, and more.
1334 29th St. NW Georgetown 202-234-0148 Online:mtzionumcdc.org
National Museum of African-American History and Culture
National Museum of African-American History and Culture
The stunning building, inspired by Yoruba art and filigree ironwork, is filled with presentations and artifacts that give visitors a glimpse at all aspects—the good and the gut-wrenching—of the African American experience. It’s a must-visit for the entire family. See our in-depth guide here.
Editor's Note: This museum is closed on Mon.-Tues. Get your timed entry pass here.
1400 Constitution Ave. NW National Mall Online:nmaahc.si.edu
For a peek at the first DC statue to honor both a woman and an African-American, head to Lincoln Park to visit the Mary McLeod Bethune memorial (erected in 1974). Bethune is remembered as a civil rights leader, a suffragist and the first African-American woman to head a Federal agency. She may be best known for her contributions to education; she founded the Bethune-Cookman University, which is today’s only historically Black college to have been founded by a woman. What better way to celebrate Bethune’s passion for education than with the game I Spy with sight words. Come prepared with flashcards for the following words, which can all be found in the statue's inscription: LOVE, HOPE, EDUCATION, RESPECT, FAITH, and DIGNITY.
"Spirit of Freedom,' which sits at the corner of Vermont Avenue and 10th Street, honors the 209,145 Black soldiers and officers who served under the Bureau of United States Colored Troops in the fight to free enslaved Black Americans. Across the street, you'll find the African-American Civil War Museum. Tours of the actual museum are by appointment only; this living museum has a number of must-book programs that bring history to life through re-enactments, including the one-hour, award-winning School of the Soldierprogram for elementary and middle schoolers.
Richmond is steeped in important Black history and here are just a few of the ways you can experience it with your kids.
Visit the home of Maggie Lena Walker, a newspaper editor, bank president and champion of civil rights for African Americans and women. Join a tour of her home and an exhibit hall, watch a short film about her life and walk in the footsteps of a great activist of the early 20th century. There's also a Maggie L. Walker Memorial Plaza.
The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia celebrates the rich culture and history African Americans people in Virginia and has permanent exhibits that explore Jim Crow, Reconstruction, Emancipation and more.
You can also explore Richmond’s monuments: Virginia Civil Rights Memorial on the Capitol grounds, Slavery Reconciliation Statue, Henry Box Brown, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson monument and the Arthur Ashe monument on Monument Ave. There's also a self-guided Richmond Slave Trail: Walk along and discover seventeen different markers that display the somber truth about slavery in Richmond.
At the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts entrance along historic Arthur Ashe boulevard, you'll find Rumors of War, a powerful sculpture by Black artist Kehinde Wiley’s. You'll also currently find the the Marcus-David Peter Circle (Robert E. Lee Monument) where artist Dustin Klein's light projections on the statue of Robert E. Lee include images and videos of Black citizens who are victims of police brutality, including Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, as well as projects of iconic Black leaders like Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Billie Holiday, and Malcom X.
Black History Month is upon us, and while it’s a time to learn about the experiences and contributions of people of African descent in the US, it’s just as important to be mindful about how we teach our children this history. It’s our job as parents to nurture and defend our children’s natural instinct to love, and that includes being deliberate in how we introduce and sustain conversations about social justice toward any group. But how do we make sure we’re doing just that? Conveying Black history in ways that are both fun and age-appropriate can help kids appreciate how diversity makes our society both more rich and resilient. Here are six ways to celebrate Black History Month with purpose.
1. Make sure the information that you share about social injustice is developmentally appropriate
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For children under nine years old in particular, we want to limit exposure to content that is excessively violent or that can create a social hierarchy in their minds. As described in Race, Class, and Parenting: 5 Strategies for Discussing Social Injustice with Your Children, age is not a reason or excuse to avoid conversations on injustice; age and psycho-emotional development are crucial considerations when deciding what to discuss and how to share.
Use common sense to discern what kind of language or details you should use to discuss historic injustice—especially violent acts of injustice and hate crimes. We can and should communicate that people were and are sometimes treated in unfair and inhumane ways without traumatizing our young children with graphic details.
2. Realize that it is more important to condemn the oppression than to describe it
Laura Green
With children that are old enough, we need to make sure that there is a correlation between how much detail we share about racist oppression and how much we explore the psychology of the oppressor. If you do not feel that your child is old enough or sophisticated enough to reckon with the depraved motivations of slaveholders, then they may not be ready to be exposed to the explicit details of the practices on plantations.
Many Black history stories are curiously missing an antagonist. We risk inadvertently laying blame on the victim when we do not identify and condemn the abuser. Avoid content that describes institutionalized racism in the passive voice. For example, Harriet Tubman was not a slave. The Brodess family enslaved Harriet Tubman. Reframing these conversations in this way creates accountability for these crimes against humanity, which is the most critical step towards justice.
3. Make sure to give broader context for systemic bias against Black people
Annette Benedetti
There are many historical examples of systemic bias and oppression throughout the world. Make sure your children are aware that suffering and enslavement are not unique to Black people. If we fail to contextualize the enslavement and segregation of black people, we unintentionally dehumanize this population.
Many children are taught about the oppression of Black people long before they are taught about the oppression experienced by any other community. The goal is not to incite pity for Black people; it is to illuminate the universal problems associated with systemic injustice. Ultimately, we want our children to understand Black history in order to recognize and combat injustice against any individual or group.
4. Do not ignore the diversity and complexity of the Black experience
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Truthfully, there is no singular “Black experience.” It is inherently problematic to make skin color the singular unifying factor in the historical experiences of groups of people. The African diaspora spans the globe. People with dark skin exist everywhere, and the historical context of their arrival at their respective locations is completely different for different groups of people and individuals.
Do not collapse Black history education into the U.S. slavery to civil rights narrative, as is often practiced.
The Black experience is diverse, complex, evolving, and ongoing. Black history started long before the slave trade. It encompasses people of all religions, socio-economic levels, and political persuasions. If you fail to teach your children to grapple with this complexity, they may default to stereotyping. During Black History Month, be sure to include conversations about a variety of black people living in America, including LGBTQ individuals, differently-abled Black Americans, recent immigrants, and women.
5. Make Black history relatable by focusing on shared interests and experiences
Focus on teaching about the contributions and experiences of Black Americans that naturally align with your child’s interests. For example, if your child is very interested in space or astrophysics, you could look for biographies on Mae Jemison or Neil deGrasse Tyson.
If you have a little foodie, try sampling or cooking foods from the African diaspora like soul food or Caribbean food. If you have an actor, musician, poet or inventor, expose them to Sydney Poitier, Duke Ellington, Langston Hughes, or Garrett Morgan.
Black history month is a unique opportunity to cultivate authentic respect for and identification with Black American culture. Take advantage of the surge of content that is available this month to help your children see that there is more that unites us than divides us.
6. Make sure to continue Black history and social justice education year-round
Dedicating the shortest calendar month of the year to acknowledging the experiences and contributions of Black people is inherently problematic. In an equitable circumstance, academic curriculums would reflect the experiences and influences of all people seamlessly. If our textbooks were accurate and inclusive, we would learn about the contributions of African American engineers during our engineering unit—not just during Black History Month.
In this way, Black History Month is a cultural institution that may contradict or subvert its own intended goal. It absolves our schools, teachers, and society from the responsibility to integrate people of color during the rest of the year, but we can remedy this within our own homes.
Make sure to integrate conversations and history lessons about Black people all year so that your children will know that diversity appreciation and the mission of social justice are a lifestyle, not a novelty.
