Explore the Culture, Sites and Stories of African Americans in Tallahassee This Black History Month

Explore the Culture, Sites and Stories of African Americans

in Tallahassee This Black History Month

Throughout its history, Florida’s Capital Region has been proudly shaped by the immense contributions and impacts of African American people and culture. This Black History Month - and all year long - Tallahassee/Leon County celebrates the trailblazing individuals, movements, and historical sites that provide insight into the Black community and the crucial role they played and continue to play in Leon County.

From civil rights heroes like the Rev. C.K. Steele, Wilhelmina Jakes, and Carrie Patterson, to historic Black business leaders and entrepreneurs like George Proctor, who was once enslaved and went on to become the builder responsible for some of Tallahassee’s most beloved homes, the impact of Black leaders can be found throughout Leon County. The John G. Riley Center and Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, elegantly stands in downtown Tallahassee and reminds us of the thriving African American neighborhood of Smokey Hollow that once stretched across present-day Cascades Park.

Taking its place among some of the most influential cities in the fight for freedom and equality, Tallahassee is home to movements that accelerated progress for African Americans across the nation. From the first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in Florida on the steps of the Knott House on May 20, 1865, to the Tallahassee Bus Boycott led by Florida A&M students in 1956, Tallahassee has a proud tradition in the struggle for equal rights. A turning point in the civil rights movement can be found at the Grove Museum, one of the best-preserved homes originally built by enslaved African Americans and later the home of Governor LeRoy Collins. Among the artifacts on display is the pen that was used by Governor Collins to sign the 1964 Civil Rights Act ending segregation in Florida. A short walk down Jefferson Street, visitors experience the Tallahassee/Leon County Civil Rights Heritage Sidewalk where 16 terrazzo panels recognize the residents and FAMU students who were instrumental in amplifying the national call for Civil Rights through peaceful protests, bus boycotts, and sit-ins.

The pursuit of equality continues today. Throughout the community, there are many modern reminders including the Black Lives Matter mural at the intersection of Railroad Avenue and Gaines Street, which stands as an expression of Tallahassee’s continued support of diversity and equality in the community.

Founded in 1887, Florida Agriculture & Mechanical University (FAMU) is one of the largest historically Black universities in the nation and a cornerstone of Tallahassee/Leon County. Home to one of the largest repositories relating to African American history and culture in the Southeast, the Meek- Eaton Black Archives Research Center & Museum is one of only 10 Black archives in the country.

Located in the heart of Tallahassee with a history and culture stretching back over a hundred years, Frenchtown is a living and breathing monument to the contributions of the African American community. The Soul Voices of Frenchtown guides visitors on the journey of Frenchtown’s history through the voices of former and current residents as they tell stories handed down through generations. Join a tour to learn how Frenchtown was established in the Reconstruction era and how it became the thriving community we know today.

For over 50 years, the Bradfordville Blues Club has been keeping the blues alive in Tallahassee/Leon County, legendarily hosting blues giants like Ray Charles, B. B. King and Chuck Berry. The club is celebrated as Florida’s first site listed on the historic Mississippi Blues Trail.

Throughout the year, Black History in Leon County continues to unfold with uplifting and inspiring events celebrating Black history and culture including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration, Harambee Festival, Frenchtown Rising, and Soul of the Southside that have become annual traditions for the entire community. From southern eats to snowball treats, new Black-owned businesses and restaurants are tantalizing taste buds as an essential part of Tallahassee cuisine and culture.  

Throughout Black History Month and beyond, Tallahassee/Leon County invites visitors and residents to explore the people and places whose courage and vision have made significant contributions to our region, both past and present. To find more information and a complete list of Black heritage sites, visit VisitTallahassee.com. For a mobile-friendly version of the itineraries, download the Visit Tallahassee app available for iPhone and Android devices. 

For more information, contact Scott Lindeman, Marketing Communications Director for Leon County Tourism/Visit Tallahassee at (850) 606-2322 office or (850) 508-4461 cell or Scott.Lindeman@VisitTallahassee.com. 

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About The Leon County Division of Tourism/Visit Tallahassee: The Leon County Division of Tourism (Visit Tallahassee) is the official destination marketing organization for Tallahassee-Leon County. Tourism is charged with marketing Tallahassee-Leon County nationally as a premier leisure, business and sports destination through direct sales, advertising, public relations, sports and visitor services. For more information, go to VisitTallahassee.com or call toll free (800) 628-2866. Engage with Visit Tallahassee on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #iHeartTally and  #Trailahassee.