Celebrating Black History Month
A few years ago, my son Cameron delivered a speech highlighting the significance of social justice within our communities. He emphasized that bringing about change is straightforward: Listen. Learn. Act. (He even created t-shirts to serve as a reminder.)
This February, I invite everyone to embrace his message. Celebrating Black History Month can be as simple as considering where and how you spend your time and money during vacations. The following destinations provide great opportunities to listen, learn, and act.
Macon, Georgia
Macon, Georgia, pays tribute to Black History all year long with 21 historic and cultural sites dedicated to African Americans. During your visit, stop by the Tubman Museum to appreciate the artwork. Then, head to The Douglass Theatre, which opened in 1921 as one of the first Black-owned theaters and has hosted numerous icons of jazz and blues. For a more artistic experience, explore the new Otis Redding Center for the Arts. Don’t miss The Little Richard House, where the music legend grew up. If you’re planning to visit in April, be sure to attend the Pan African American Festival, celebrating love, peace, unity, and hope.
Providence, Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, you might enjoy the Providence Walks Early Black History Tour. This self-guided tour will lead you to significant locations such as the Mount Hope Sharing Garden, the Snowtown Riot Memorial Plaque, and the site of the Providence Gazette. Before your trip, check out Stages of Freedom to discover ongoing events promoting Black culture in the area. Afterward, support local Black-owned businesses by dining and shopping at places like Troop, Garden of Eve, and LOLA.
New York State
Your journey in New York should begin with the Path Through History initiative. This historic tour showcases museums, parks, galleries, and more to explore Black history. The website provides an in-depth look at The Underground Railroad. While in the state, delve into Black culture through visits to engaging sites like The Louis Armstrong House Museum. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Jackie Robinson Museum. Don’t forget to stop by Harlem Hops, the first Black-owned craft beer bar in Harlem, or make a trip to Black Monarchy in Buffalo to support Black-owned enterprises.
Loudoun County, Virginia
At the Loudoun Museum, you’ll find the mural “Journey to Freedom” by Shawn Perkins, unveiled in 2022 to mark MLK Day. In Leesburg, be sure to visit the Thomas Balch Library and Loudoun County Courthouse, both recognized as National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom sites. Additionally, explore the Oatlands Historic House and Gardens to see two Civil War Trail markers. Don’t forget to treat yourself at upscale sneaker boutique, Restocked Sneakers, before enjoying a snack at Dolce & Ciabatta Bakery.
Black History Happens in Canada Too
Canada was not merely a stopover for freedom seekers from the U.S. This country is home to numerous sites, memorials, and exhibits worth exploring. While we have highlighted a few of them here, I encourage you to delve deeper into Canadian Black History at local sites that are significant to you.
