Tour Black History Landmarks in and Around Atlanta
Published March 27, 2023
Last Updated April 14, 2023
When you think of Black history, Atlanta is often at the forefront of several pivotal moments. A trip to Atlanta allows you the opportunity to walk in the shoes of iconic civil rights leaders. A walk down Auburn Avenue is a popular place to start if you’re looking to experience what was the commercial, cultural and spiritual center for African Americans during segregation. However, the roots of Black history in Atlanta expand beyond Auburn Avenue. Use this list to discover more places to celebrate and honor Black heritage in Atlanta.
Herndon Home
The Herndon Home, known locally as the Herndon Mansion, was built for one of the country’s wealthiest Black men, Alonzo Franklin Herndon, and his wife, Adrienne McNeil Herndon. This National Historic Landmark pays homage to Alonzo’s rise to success from slavery, the artistic and academic accomplishments of his wife, Adrienne, the exquisite taste and activism of his second wife, Jessie, and the dedication to maintaining his home. Alonzo Herndon was an entrepreneur who ran a successful, upscale barber shop. He founded and became president of Atlanta Life Insurance Co.
Where: 587 University Place NW
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Explore the achievements of the civil rights movement in the United States in addition to the worldwide human rights movement at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Plan to spend a couple of hours browsing through the center’s three main exhibits: civil rights, human rights and the Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Collection.
Where: 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. NW
Atlanta University Center
Atlanta University Center is home to four historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). These include Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Morehouse College and Morehouse School of Medicine. These institutions were pioneers in providing education and development opportunities to Black Americans while also playing an important role in the civil rights movement. Visit the Clark Atlanta University Art Museum and the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art to discover some of Atlanta’s HBCU treasures.
Where: 660 Atlanta Student Movement Blvd.
Oakland Cemetery
Oakland Cemetery marks the final resting place for many of Atlanta’s most notable African American leaders including Mayor Maynard Jackson and Bishop Wesley John Gaines who led Big Bethel AME Church and co-founded Morris Brown College. Visitors can take interactive tours that are both educational and entertaining.
Where: 248 Oakland Ave. SE
Atlanta History Center
With 33 acres of stellar exhibitions including historic houses and gardens; Atlanta History Center is a must when planning a visit to the A. Take a deep dive into African American history in the Kenan Research Center, which carries collections of notable leaders, photojournalists and lots more.
Where: 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
As the world’s busiest airport, there’s no denying that Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will someday welcome you. If you need to pass time as you wait for a connecting flight, the three civil rights exhibits are a great way to appreciate Black history. The separate exhibits are focused on Martin Luther King Jr., Congressman John Lewis and Atlanta’s challenges and triumphs throughout the civil rights movement.
Where: 6000 North Terminal Parkway
Madam C.J. Walker Museum and WERD
Experience the story of Madame C.J. Walker’s rise to becoming the first female self-made millionaire. This small building holds a world of memorabilia from Walker’s salon that dates back to the 1940s. The space is extra special as it has an additional section that is dedicated to WERD, the first Black-owned radio station. A wall decked out in thousands of records remains today.
Where: 54 Hilliard St. NE
Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame
Step in the footsteps of some of the entertainment industry’s high-achieving African Americans at this walk of fame. After launching in 2021, this initiative has honored several iconic figures that have impacted Black culture including Outkast, Usher, Cathy Hughes and Phylicia Rashad, to name a few.
Where: US-29 north of Atlanta
Hammonds House
Spreading awareness around the contributions that artists of African descent have made to the world is at the forefront of the Hammonds House mission. The museum is the former residence of late Dr. Otis Thrash Hammonds who was a passionate arts patron. It now boasts a permanent collection of more than 450 pieces from the mid-19th century to the present.
Where: 503 Peeples St. SW
If you have the time, use this Civil Rights Itinerary to learn more about Black history in Atlanta.
Aubree is a content creator with a passion for all things food and travel. You can find her around Atlanta tasting some of the most iconic bites or burning it all off on the dance floor.
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