African American Historical Sites in Georgia
Georgia is home to African-American heroes, legends and legacies
Stretching back for centuries, African American heritage has shaped life in Georgia. From the Gullah-Geechee culture near Sapelo Island, to the civil rights movement, Georgia has deep, historic African American roots.
Paying homage to the strengths, struggles, and steps taken by African Americans, the Peach State has numerous museums, memorial sites and historical centers. These honored historical hubs educate and inspire visitors of all backgrounds.
In Metro Atlanta:
- Visit a range of historical sites at once on the all-encompassing, three-hour ATL Black History Tours, which take groups to the major African American culture landmarks in the city. Stop at the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr., Ebenezer Baptist Church, Sweet Auburn Avenue, and the Headquarters of the 100 Black Men organization.
- King Center, as well as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, must be included on any cultural tour.
- The APEX Museum offers a sweeping view of the African-American journey through permanent and traveling exhibits ranging from cultural traits to the legend of Sweet Auburn Avenue.
- The Center for Civil and Human Rights is a top city attraction, spreading a modern global message about equal rights for all humans.
Outside Metro Atlanta:
- Athens is home to more than 20 significant African American historical sites, including Morton Theatre, Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery, and First African Methodist Episcopal Church — all ideal for a self-guided day of tours.
- The Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum in Savannah chronicles the civil rights struggle of Georgia's oldest African American community from slavery to the present.
- Albany boasts the Civil Rights Institute, where visitors can take a state-of-the-art journey through the Civil Rights Movement and hear the Freedom Singers perform on the second Saturday of each month.
- Sapelo Island, located on Georgia's coast, is home to the legendary Gullah-Geechee culture, and is open for tours throughout the year.
