From Martin Luther King to the APEX Museum, John Lewis, and beyond!
Delving into Atlanta’s rich Black history is an excellent way to celebrate and honor Black History Month. Our city is an epicenter for the Civil Rights Movement, which is evident when you fine comb through our epic monuments and landmarks nestled throughout the city. Make sure you explore our city this Black History Month, as you never know what you’ll learn. Here are some of our recommendations.
1. Martin Luther King Monuments
Where: MLK Drive, near the Mercedez Benz Stadium
Martin Luther King Day is an excellent entrée for Black History Month. There are so many tributes to our hometown hero all over the city, from The King Center to gorgeous street art. The most recent monument is by the Mercedes Benz Stadium entitled, “Hope Moving Forward.” The artwork was installed last year, and is the first of seven installations commissioned to honor the legacy and global influence of the civil rights leader.
2. John Lewis Mural
Where: Auburn Avenue
This mural has become an attraction in itself. The touching tribute to the late Congressman is located in the historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood, which is closely associated with the Civil Rights movement. A member of the Democratic Party, Lewis was first elected to Congress in 1986 and served 17 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. Representing most of Atlanta, this mural is a true reflection of his beliefs, work, and relationship with the city.
3. APEX Museum
Where: Sweet Auburn
For a deeper understanding of Black history, make sure to visit the APEX Museum this February. Located in the historic Auburn Avenue area of Atlanta, this museum connects the world with various pieces of African American history. There are so many inspiring stories to discover at this insightful addition to Atlanta’s extensive list of museums.
4. Black Wall Street Market
Where: Stonecrest
Back in the early 1900s, one neighborhood in Stonecrest was given the title of the ‘Black Wall Street’, due to the entrepreneurship and Black-owned businesses seen in the area. Nowadays, over a hundred years later, the Black Wall Street Market is a celebration of this historic area. A great way to support Black-owned businesses, there are over 100 vendors on offer for everything and anything in retail, dining, and entertainment. Click here for more information.
5. Herndon House
Where: Vine City
This opulent two-story mansion near the Atlanta University Center was built by Atlanta’s first black millionaire. Born into slavery, Alonzo Herndon created an empire which started as a barbershop business, and ended as a banking and insurance empire, which was supported and used by the majority of Black people in the south.
6. Freedom Park
The Flowering Forest will bloom for the first time this year in Freedom Park, honoring John Lewis. There will be a field of daffodils, three hundred trees, and more. Make sure you check out the daffodils which are set to flower annually to mark the anniversary of Lewis’ birthday. Click here for more information.