Atlanta Black History & Heritage
Few American cities are as rich in African-American heritage and culture as Atlanta. The Georgia city is home to numerous attractions and special events that showcase the African-American culture and experience in Atlanta and celebrate the contributions of civil rights leaders as well as unsung Black heroes. Not surprisingly, Atlanta is considered the favorite destination of African-American tourists.
The crown jewel of Atlanta's African-American history and heritage sites is undoubtedly the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site. Among its highlights are MLK's birthplace and Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King and his father once preached. Both places are located in Atlanta's Sweet Auburn District, an area that long played a vital part in Atlanta's Black culture. Visitors wanting to learn more about Atlanta's Black history will appreciate the APEX Museum, devoted exclusively to chronicling the achievements of African-Americans culture, past and present.
The Hammonds House Museum offers a different perspective on the Black heritage and experience, with its exhibitions of African-American art. It's hardly the only Atlanta art museum with a focus on African artwork. The Museum of Fine Art at Spelman College and the Art Galleries at Clark Atlanta University also specialize in the artwork of Black artists. Both colleges belong to the Atlanta University Center, the greatest concentration of African-American colleges in the United States.
African-American history and culture is well-represented in Atlanta's calendar of events, which includes Black History Month in February. Every Memorial Day weekend, Atlanta's Piedmont Park hosts the Atlanta Jazz Festival, one of the nation's largest free jazz festivals. The month of July heralds the return of the National Black Arts Festival, which celebrates African-American performing arts, literature and visual arts. Old rivalries are rekindled during the Atlanta Football Classic each September. Throughout much of the year, Atlanta theatergoers may enjoy African-American plays produced by the True Colors Theatre Company.
To find more information on African-American history and culture events, attractions and entertainment, see below:
Click here for a complete list of Atlanta events and attractions.
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