Month: August 2020

Traveling through the United States, there are dozens of historic parks, museums, monuments, and homes that commemorates the lasting cultural legacy and historic achievements of Black men, women, and children. The history and culture of Black Americans is commonly overlooked by many vacationers across the globe. However, there are dozens of ways to infuse bits of cultural, historic African American travel into your upcoming vacation. Many trips are closeby home, allowing them to coincide with your value travel ambitions. Read on to learn about the essential inspiring Black History destinations to visit on your next vacation.

Historic Sites & Museums In Alabama

On the way to Montgomery, stop at the Viola Liuzzo historic mile marker 111, between Lowndesboro and Montgomery. At this marker, four Klansmen killed Mrs. Liuzzo while traveling with black marchers to Selma. This was just after the Selma-to-Montgomery march.

Stop at the Rosa Parks Museum and you can get a real feel for what happened. You’ll get a sense of actually being arrested for not moving to the back of the bus. Plus, you can stand in the same spot where MLK preached. The pulpit is located right on Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. Don’t miss the Civil Rights Memorial down the street.

While you are in Montgomery find time for the Legacy Museum which opened in 2018. The museum is built on the site of a former warehouse where enslaved black people were imprisoned. By 1860, Montgomery was the capital of the domestic slave trade in Alabama, one of the two largest slave-owning states in America.

The museum teaches about the enslavement of African Americans, the evolution of racial lynchings, legalized segregation and racial hierarchy in America. Relying on first-person accounts of the domestic slave trade, this museum explores the history of racial inequality and its relationship to a range of contemporary issues from mass incarceration to police violence.

On the final day start at the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. Tuskegee Airmen were among the best fighter pilots of World War II. This site includes The Oaks, home of Booker T. Washington; the George Washington Carver Museum; and the historic Tuskegee University campus where you can catch a campus tour. Check the schedule in advance to see if the Golden Voices Concert Choir are performing on campus.

Entertainment History In Detroit, Michigan

There are dozens of iconic attractions in Detroit Michigan. Spend an evening at Bert’s Warehouse Theatre in Detroit and catch some Black entertainment. They even have a lounge area where they had people get up and sing. I would not doubt that some were excellent in their prime.

When we were there we attended a Motown reunion concert with some of the original artists. For many of them it may have been their final performances due to age and poor health. It was spectacular!

The 1964 Hit “Needle In A Haystack” -Velvelettes

-The Elgins

 

Cultural Stops In Memphis, Tennessee

Head to Beale Street in Memphis where it was once the heart of Blues music in the 1920’s. There are many music clubs to experience and imagine what it was like listening to Louis Armstrong or BB King live on Beale.

African-American History Stops In Kansas City

Kansas and Missouri are often an overlooked destination to visit in the United States. Since these destinations are relatively easy to drive around, navigate, and find parking, they are the perfect stop for your RV travel or road trip adventure. If you are planning this kind of trip, be sure to check out our ultimate RV travel guide as well. However, there are tons of historical and cultural destinations to visit there. Cities like Kansas City, are a hub for dozens of African-American history attractions. Remember that there are two Kansas City’s, one in Kansas, with another in Missouri. Many historic cultural attractions in Kansas City, are located in Missouri, or KCMO. Start your visit at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Additionally, make a stop at the Black Archives of Mid-America. Another major stop is the Kansas City Museum. In Kansas City, Kansas you can still find incredible historic attractions like the Old Quindaro Museum, which holds photos depicting African-American life from 1856 to modern day.

Destinations For Black History Travel In Seattle, Washington

There are dozens of destinations for Black History travel located all throughout Seattle, and much of Washington State. Many sites, memorials, and attractions in Seattle honor the legacy of Jimi Hendrix, who was born in Seattle in 1942. One of the biggest attractions to learn about the world famous musician in his hometown is the Museum of Pop Culture. Home to Hendrix’s passport, journal, and rare interview clips, the museum takes visitors for a walk alongside the famous guitarist’s life. Another major destination is the Northwest African American Museum, which offers incredible exhibits like Algorithm: Archetype and Iconic Black Women. Of course, if you are fan of historical travel, you should additionally take the time to read our perfect Montana history and heritage vacation itinerary.

Houston Texas Black History Destinations

Texas is a major cultural and travel hub for visitors all across the globe. When you plan your visit, there are dozens of destinations for Black History Travel located in the Lone Star State. In Houston, one of the biggest attractions is the Buffalo Soldier National Museum. This historic site honors the service and legacy of African-American soldiers that have fought in every American War. Another major stop is the Houston Museum of African American Culture, which offers dozens of incredible education programs, film screenings, and art exhibits.

Black History Destinations In Wilmington, Delaware

Of course, Delaware’s Capital City of Wilmington is home to several inspiring Black History destinations and landmarks. One of the most important stops on your journey should be at the Howard High School of Technology, located right on East 12th Street. Here, you can learn about the famous Gebhart v. Belton 1953 desegregation case. Being classified as a National Historic Landmark in 2005, the landmark is an incredible destination to learn about African American culture and historical suffering. If you are interested in learning more about history and culture on your next travel journey, be sure to read our ultimate guide to Native American tourism as well.

Historic Stops In Cincinnati, Ohio

There are dozens of historic stops for Black History travel in Cincinnati, Ohio. One of the most prominent destinations in the Buckeye State is the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. This historic center provides interactive exhibits that highlight the slave trade, and the intricate, Underground Railroad network. The museum even includes a Kentucky slave pen that was build in the early 1800s. You can also find the Harriet Beecher Stowe house in Cincinnati. The home commerates the life and legacy of world famous author of the revolutionary novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

When you are traveling around the world you know that some level of racism exists. Even people who think they are not racist may not realize that they are at some level. Speak up if you see something racist happening whether a black individual is specifically impacted or not. It may be a great learning opportunity for that person.

This last one may be the most important. Always try to do the right thing in protecting the BLM movement and Black people in general. Just because you are doing that , don’t look to be thanked for it or whether it is appreciated or not. Black people do not need to thank us for doing that. Without a doubt they will surely appreciate it and show a higher level of respect to you.

I have just scratched the surface on experiencing Black History, Black Culture and the overall Black experience in America. Some of it real ugly, some inspiring, and all of it educational.

Either way, the goal here is to get to you to feel all of it in your core, white, black and everything in between. It will change your life and, more important, may change your way of thinking a little bit.

I covered places to go that are very serious, to very sad, to inspiring, to fun, to entertaining but most of all, very important to the fabric of Black History and everyone needs to know about it and understand the very tough, long road to the present day and George Floyd.

Keep in mind that all points of interest and attractions covered above most likely offer guided tours, audio tours or, at the least, self-guided tours. Please call ahead for tour dates and times or check the websites. Nothing beats a guided tour so you hear the stories behind what you are looking at.

Be sensitive to all those tour guides out there. There is a chance that they are a descendant of a slave family or have some sort of history that can be painful.

Finally, if you cannot get away and travel to any of these great choices you can always look forward to events on MLK Day in your city! I was able to enjoy this in Chicago 2020. Here, you can find dozens of additional options like the free Chicago Greeter Program Tour. Consider the spots mentioned above if you are interested in the essential inspiring Black History destinations to visit on your next vacation.

 

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts”- Mark Twain

The historical and cultural legacy of African-Americans is often overlooked by much of the country. Traveling through the United States, there are hundreds of locations where vacationers can learn about African-American heritage. Being that some of the most notable writers, musicians, actors and actresses, writers and politicians were African-Americans born in the U.S, learning about their contributions to their entertainment industry throughout your travel is an absolute must. Historical traces of these famous men, women, and children can be found in just about every one the 50 U.S States. In fact, there is probably an abundance of historical destinations within driving distance of your home. If you are planning on driving between destinations, you can even check out our ultimate RV travel guide to help plan your trip. Read on to learn about supporting the Black Lives Matter movement through travel.

Soul Food In New Orleans

Head to New Orleans for some good food. You can find some of the best restaurants in New Orleans for soul food. You will find traditional Creole specialties at Dooky Chase’s. Dooky Chase’s Chef, Leah Chase, has been presiding over the kitchen for over sixty years. She specifies her cooking style to be Creole-soul, not to be confused with the famous Creole-French found throughout much of New Orleans. The famous Ray Charles had songs where he sang about Chase’s food. Even more, famous individuals like Thurgood Marshall and Louis Armstrong had their favorite orders there. An absolute must on your visit to New Orleans Louisiana.

Another great option is Willie Mae’s Scotch House for fried chicken and soul food. Willie Mae’s is famous for their crisp, tightly battered, and juicy fried chicken offerings. For some other famous soul food destinations in NOLA, consider making a stop at Roosevelt’s Black Pearl, Two Sisters in Da East, and Li’l Dizzy’s Café.

More Presidential History

Want some modern quirky Black History? Go to the Hyde Park neighborhood in Chicago and see where the Obama’s lived at 5046 S Greenwood Ave. Visit the exact spot where they had their first kiss while having ice cream in the summer of 1989 in front of the Baskin-Robbins which is now a Subway restaurant at 53rd and S Dorchester. Look for the commemorative plaque on the rock there. Don’t miss where the first Black President Barack Obama got his regular haircut from Zariff, his favorite barber for 20 years, at the Hyde Park Hair Salon for $21. The chair he used to sit in is now preserved there in plexiglass.

Famous Historical Figures

Not all black history is heavy and serious stuff. See The Jackson 5 family home in Gary, Indiana. You will see a two bedroom house for the entire family of two parents and nine kids. Not sure how they pulled that off! No wonder why they needed to get out of the house to perform. This family produced one of the greatest entertainers we have ever seen. Gary is only an hour from Chicago. Gary is easy to get around too, making it the perfect destination for your solo travel experiences.

African American Sports History

Go see the amazing dedication to the greatest basketball player of all time, The Michael Jordan Sculpture in Chicago which is now housed inside the United Center.

Want to learn all about the all but forgotten Negro Leagues? Go learn the history at The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in downtown Kansas City. Most of these players were good enough for the Major Leagues but were shut out until Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947. Head over to Jones BBQ for a meal. The Jones sisters still carry on their father’s legacy of smoking meats and making their family’s secret BBQ sauce from scratch daily at their restaurant in Kansas City.

Entertainment & Music History

The Motown Museum in Detroit takes you through the history of the Motown Sound, by black artists like Steveland Morris (Stevie Wonder), Smokey Robinson, The Supremes and The Four Tops. The Motown Sound changed the world in the 1960’s until today. They had over 180 #1 hits! Founder Berry Gordy started Motown with a $ 800 loan from his family. On your visit to the Motor City, there are dozens of additional iconic cultural tourist attractions in Detroit Michigan.

 

Run to the STAX Museum in Memphis. This is one fun place! Dancing is allowed in this museum while you are experiencing the “Memphis Sound” of the early 1960’s. Before I went there I had never heard of STAX but now listen to the music all the time. Listen to the music of Carla Thomas, Sam and Dave, Booker T and the MG’s, and of course, Otis Redding. Otis, age 26, died in a plane crash soon after he finished recording “Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay”.

One of the major cities to learn about African-Americans’ contributions to the music and entertainment industry, you need to visit Minneapolis. Minneapolis was changed forever by hometown child Prince Rogers Nelson.

He was born and raised here and his music left an imprint everywhere in this city and around the world. Visit Paisley Park which is 30 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. Stop by the downtown First Avenue club where many scenes of the 1984 Purple Rain were filmed.

The Harlem Renaissance

Perhaps the most important period of cultural exploration was the Harlem Renaissance. Beginning in the 1920s, there was an explosion of poetry, fiction, music, theater and visual art which sought to define and express black identity.

See a show at the well-known Apollo Theatre in NY. It is located in the heart of Harlem, at 253 West 125th St. It has played a major role in the emergence of jazz, swing, bebop, R&B, gospel, blues, and soul — all quintessentially American music genres. Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Sammy Davis Jr., James Brown, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, and countless others began their road to stardom on that stage. Maybe before visiting The Apollo you can head to Sylvia’s Restaurant for some soul food. The restaurant has been around for over 60 years.

Black History In Hollywood

As you plan you travel, it is important to learn about Black History in Hollywood, California. Hollywood is one of the most important cities for entertainment in the entire United States. Visiting Hollywood, there are dozens of landmarks that honor African-American’s contributions to various forms of entertainment. One of the most prominent sites you can see is Marvin Gaye’s Hollywood home. You can additionally see Nat King Cole’s former home, and even the Banks residence from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air at 251 North Bristol Ave. In addition, be sure to check out all the names of famous African- Americans immortalized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Some of the most famous celebrities include Michael Jackson, Muhammad Ali, Louis Armstrong, and Snoop Dogg.

Boxing History

In Louisville, Kentucky visit the well done Muhammad Ali Center and see the impact one boxer , Cassius Clay, had on the world of Civil Rights. Hungry? grab a bite at Shirley Mae’s Cafe and have some soul food. It is located in the oldest African American community in Louisville. While you are in the area, there are dozens of additional attractions to experience in Louisville and Lexington Kentucky.

Explore the impact that Heavyweight boxing champion legend Joe Louis had on the city of Detroit. He was the heavyweight champion of the world from 1937-49. The sculpture of Joe Louis’s fist in downtown Detroit is very powerful.

African American Murals

As you visit cities around the United States, there are dozens of beautiful murals to honor African-American history and notable figures. Every city has some amazing, artistically crafted murals to check out. In Philadelphia, there is the famous Mural Mile Walking Tour, often considered to be the world’s largest outdoor art gallery. If your visiting Chicago, there is the famous mural ‘My Passion’s Humanity’ which depicts African-American masks and the local population. The murals of Prince in Minneapolis and of the Jackson 5 in Gary are additional must-see stops. There are even over 200 murals in Southern California that honor the life of the recently-passed Kobe Bryant.

African American Arts & Culture

Of course, there are plenty of locations to learn about African American arts and culture in the United States. Some great destinations include the National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington D.C., The African American Museum in Philadelphia, and the Museum of African American Art and Los Angeles. Some other great destinations include, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art in Washington D.C., the California African American Museum in Los Angeles, and the Studio Museum in Harlem. Here, you can see some incredible showcased works from famous African American artists, musicians, and writers. Certainly, there are so many notable destinations to learn about African American arts and culture. For fans of art and music travel, be sure to check out our guide on how to experience traditional Fado in Lisbon Portugal.

“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating  that all peoples cry, laugh,eat, worry and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.”- Maya Angelou

When you plan your future trips, why not include learning about the black history in that location? Almost everywhere you go, there have been pivotal black history events that you can learn about. There are dozens of cultural attractions in Detroit Michigan, Louisiana, Alabama, Virginia, South Carolina, and almost every other U.S. State.

Alabama

Walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama and feel the experience of 25 year old future congressman John Lewis had in 1965. I am stunned to discover that this bridge was named for the head of the Alabama Ku Klux Klan!

In 1965, 50% of the population there was black but only 2% were registered voters. The four day march from Selma to Montgomery led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. While these attractions may not as provide as much excitement as the Las Vegas strip, it is important in order to open up your horizons and expand your perspectives.

Louisiana

If you want to see slave life on plantations, Louisiana is a good place to target many sights on the same trip. Most slaves worked sunup to sundown. Life was hard. You will find the majority of the plantations had slaves work the sugar cane fields, Tobacco, indigo plants for dye, and cotton.

There are a bunch worth visiting between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. St. Joseph Plantation, Whitney Plantation, Laura Plantation and Evergreen Plantation all tell different stories of plantation life so you will get a well rounded view. Evergreen even has 22 slave cabins on the property.

You will either have a guided tour or a self-guided tour. There are tour companies based out of New Orleans and Baton Rouge that will do all the driving for you and take you to multiple plantations in one day. That is probably the most efficient way to do this type of trip.

Chicago

To learn about slavery and African-American injustice, you need to visit several cultural highlights and landmarks in the city of Chicago. One of the most important historical sites in Chicago is the Pullman Historic District. Pullman is a historic, industrial town that was originally founded in May 1880. Its founder, George M. Pullman originally planned the town to create a model community for working-class citizens. Within the district today, there are several sites, memorials, and monuments commemorating the town’s history. When you visit, be sure to check out the Pullman factory and Hotel Florence. At the same time, you need to stop by the A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum, which is dedicated to teaching the history of African-American labor in the United States.

South Carolina

As you plan a historical trip to educate you about African-American history, you need to pay a visit to South Carolina. Visiting South Carolina, you need to visit the Old Slave Mart Museum in Charleston. At one point in time, Charleston was the point where roughly 35% to 40% of African slaves entered the United States. Many of the employees who work at the Old Slave Mart Museum, are able to trace their family lineage directly back to Charleston slaves. When you visit, be prepared to spend at least half a day soaking in the different images, artifacts, posters, and excerpts that fill the museum. Also stop by the Avery Research Center in Charleston to learn all about southern slavery. The McLeod Plantation will show you how slaves lived through the generations. Coming in 2022 is the International African-American Museum at Gadsdens Wharf. This was the landing spot for over 100,000 Africans who were then sold into slavery. If you are in Charleston on a Friday, celebrate Black Food Fridays where Black-owned restaurants are highly suggested to support.

Virginia

In order to further educate yourself about African-American history and culture, you need to visit historical attractions in Virginia. In Virginia, not far from Norfolk and Virginia Beach, head to the Hampton University Museum. Enter the African-American fine arts galleries and you are in for a treat. Here you will encounter something unique. You will see the history of Black America through art. Africans brought distinctive artistic traditions and skill to this country. In this museum are excellent examples of paintings by some of the early 20th century artists. They were true pioneers in their struggles to overcome discrimination in their profession, in opening doors for the generation which followed them.

One of the most important attractions you can visit is the Freedom House in Alexandria, VA. The Freedom House was built in 1812, and served as a residence for Brigade General Robert Young. After 16 years of ownership, the property was leased to the slave dealing firm Franklin and Armfield. Under their ownership, the Freedom House became a slave pen, holding enslaved men, women, and children that were traveling to plantations. In the modern era, the Freedom House serves as a museum sharing exhibits, perspectives, interpretations, and other unique artifacts.

Florida

To learn more about slavery and African-American history, there are additional historic sites to visit in Florida. Visiting Jacksonville, Florida, one of the most important attractions you can see is the Kingsley Plantation. The plantation is named after its former owner, Zephaniah Kingsley, who lived there for 25 years. Visiting Kingsley Plantation, you are able to tour the full property, including the 23 slave cabins, barn, waterfront, kitchen house, interpretive garden, and plantation house from 1798. It is approximately 39 miles from Jacksonville. In addition to the Kingsley Plantation, there are several additional sites commemorating African-American history in Florida. Other sites in Jacksonville include the Bethel Baptist Institutional Church and the American Beach Historic District. Bethel Baptist was church of choice for many slaves who worked nearby on the plantations. Of course they needed to get permission to attend from their master. American Beach was one of the few resort/beach areas in the U.S. for African-Americans. When your visit, be sure to check out the Howard Thurman House and Mary McLeod Bethune Home in Daytona Beach. Howard Thurman was one of the original thinkers of the Civil Rights Movement and was an influence on Dr. King. They offer tours there on Friday and Saturday every week. While your in town, you can additionally pay a visit to Kennedy Space Center and Florida Space Coast.

Washington D.C.

How about a museum focused on black history and civil rights? The National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington DC is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African-American life, history, and culture. The Museum opened up in 2016 as the 19th and newest museum of the Smithsonian Institution.

Tennessee

The fantastic National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis takes you at the end through the attached Lorraine Motel room balcony where Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Very powerful museum. You will need many hours to go through the permanent exhibits. They cover Slavery, Student Sit-Ins, the Montgomery Bus Boycott,  Freedom Rides and Black Power. If you are planning a trip, read our complete post-COVID travel guide to help eliminate some of your vacation stress.

Georgia

Speaking of Dr. King, head to Atlanta to see everything KIng. The Martin Luther King,Jr. National Historical Park consists of his boyhood home, his Ebenezer Baptist Church, monument, rose garden and his tomb. In the church’s sanctuary you can hear some of his sermons and speeches. Allow 2-3 hours.

The Herndon Home in Atlanta is also inspirational. Alonzo Herndon was born into slavery, eventually freed, opened up a string of barber shops, purchased failing insurance companies and ended up being one of the wealthiest black men in Georgia. See his incredible story.

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights Museum in Atlanta will blow you away. You learn about the history of the Civil Rights movement in the U.S. and around the world. Allow for two hours minimum.

Heading south three hours from Atlanta you arrive in Albany, Georgia. Plenty of pivotal Black History there. Start at the Ray Charles Memorial. It is located downtown and you will see a revolving, illuminated, bronze statue of Ray Charles seated at a baby grand piano. As water streams down the sides of the statue, his music plays in the park there. Georgia made his “Georgia On My Mind” the state anthem in 1979.

The statue is next to two walkways designed as keyboards with benches. The walkways connect to the Albany Riverwalk.

Ray Charles Robinson was born in 1930 in a section of Albany then known as “Flower City”. At age seven, he lost his eyesight to glaucoma. He was orphaned at age 15. Ray Charles persevered and went on to become one of the most successful performers of his time, applying his own style to blues, jazz and big band as a vocalist, pianist and saxophonist.

His success is reflected in his 12 Grammy Awards, Kennedy Center Honor and becoming one of the first inductees in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Albany Civil Rights Institute really tells a different story. Most civil rights memorials celebrate minor or major victories.

There was no triumph here. This is the city where Martin Luther King Jr. lost. But his failure in 1961 to integrate this city played a crucial role in the progress of the Civil Rights Movement. King learned from his mistakes and honed his non-violent protest strategies.

It’s also the city where the Civil Rights struggle literally found its voice. Next door you will find Mt. Zion Baptist Church. This is where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke to a crowd of thousands in 1961. The first mass meeting of the Albany Movement was held in Old Mt. Zion Church on 11/17/61. One month later he spoke to a crowd of 1,500 that overflowed the church, filling the streets and the Shiloh Baptist Church. After the meeting, he walked across the street to Shiloh Baptist Church and started Albany’s Famous Civil Rights March to the Trailways Bus Station.

That brings us to what became known as the Albany Movement. King was invited to town to help what was a broad protest against segregation. By December 1961, there were more than 700 protesters sitting in jail cells across the region. The conditions in the rural county jails were atrocious, making the ordeal harder on those arrested. From King’s perspective. he failed. But he did not fail. This attempt attracted the nation’s attention in the first mass movement in the modern civil rights era with the goal of desegregation of an entire community.

Mississippi

In Jackson, Mississippi you will find the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum as well. It shows the stories of the movement in the state that changed the country. You will see eight interactive galleries that lead you through history. $ 15 adult but free on the third Saturday of every month.

Arkansas

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site in Arkansas is the only High School designated as a historic landmark. This is where nine Black High School students tried to go school for the first time in a white school with tremendous courage facing an angry mob of over 300 white people. The Governor ordered the military to stop them from entering the school  on Sept 4, 1957. After the federal government stepped in, after tremendous pressure, the “Little Rock Nine” went into the school unescorted and protected on Sept 25. Learn the stories there of these brave young students and their parents.

Kansas

The Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site in Topeka, Kansas commemorates the U.S. Supreme Court decision that ended racial segregation in public schools. Start in the auditorium where a 30 minute movie traces the history of racism and segregation.

There are other exhibits that walk you through the barriers Blacks faced while trying to receive a formal education from the early 19th century to the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision. You can see seven different short films and the Hall of Courage, which displays historic film footage.

While in the city, stop by the Great Wall Of Topeka murals. You will see incredible works of art depicting some of the black history of the city, including the landmark Brown vs Board of Education decision.

Missouri

Of course, you will need to pay a visit to Missouri in order to complete your slavery education travel journey. There are several major historical landmarks to visit in Missouri. In the city of St. Louis, you can visit the Shelley House, which commemorates the focus of one of the most famous equal protection cases in all of history. While you are still in the city, be sure to stop by the Old Courthouse, where many landmark Civil Rights cases were tried throughout history. If you still have some time on your trip, it is absolutely vital to head over to Independence, Missouri. Here, you can visit the Harry. S Truman Presidential Library & Museum, which reflects on many landmark events in the struggle for Civil Rights.

Other Major Museums & Historical Centers

Other major museums to explore the African-American experience are The Harvey Gantt Center in Charlotte and the Charles Wright Museum of African-American History in Detroit. Exhibits in both of those museums are always changing. Harvey Gaant was the first black student admitted into Clemson in 1963 (his wife was second) and he was Charlotte’s first black mayor.

The relatively new Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, Canada will blow you away. It has seven floors and will take at least half a day to go through. It covers all types of global injustice that has taken place .

To educate yourself about the history of African-American racial inequality, injustice, and slavery in the United States, there are several historical sites to visit. Start your trip by visiting Selma, Alabama, home of many historical movements combating racial injustice and voting rights. Pay a visit to Louisiana where you can visit dozens of historical attractions, museums, and memorials. At the same time, you need to visit several historical sites in the city of Chicago. In addition, consider visiting historical sites in Virginia and South Carolina. Moreover, there are dozens of cultural attractions to visit in Florida. You can likely even find several historic sites to add to your New Mexico roadtrip travel itinerary. Consider the above sites and attractions to learn about how you can support Black Lives Matter through travel.