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Celebrate Black History
Local places to go and things to do to celebrate black history month.
PLACES TO VISIT
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
Managed by the National Park Service, visit Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home, church and tomb to learn more about his life and legacy. Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn neighborhood. 404-331-5190. Free. nps.gov/malu
APEX Museum
Named for the “African-American Panoramic Experience,” this museum features exhibits such as “Women in STEM,” “Africa the Untold Story,” “Sweet Auburn Street of Pride” and more. View more than 6,000 years of the cultural history of Africa, while kids 6 and younger will enjoy special storytelling events. 135 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-523-2739. $5-$7. apexmuseum.org
Center for Civil and Human Rights
This center connects the American Civil Rights Movement to today’s Global Human Rights Movements with images, artifacts and storytelling. 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd., Atlanta. 678-999-8990. $19.99; ages 7-12, $15.99; ages 6 and younger, free. civilandhumanrights.org
Atlanta History Center
With “Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow,” view art, historical artifacts, photographs and media pieces that illustrate the African American struggle for full citizenship and racial equality that unfolded in the 50 years following the Civil War. 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta. 404-814-4000. $21.50; ages 13-18, $18; ages 4-12, $9; ages 3 and younger, free. atlantahistorycenter.com
The Herndon Home Museum
This museum was the residence of Alonzo Herndon, a former slave owner who founded what would become the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, and his legacy changed the black middle class in America. 587 University Place NW, Atlanta. 404-581-9813. $7-$10. herndonhome.org
The King Center
Established by Coretta Scott King in 1968, The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change preserves Dr. King’s legacy, as you can view exhibits on him, Coretta Scott King and Mahatma Gandhi. 449 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-526-8900. Free. thekingcenter.org
Clark Atlanta University Art Galleries
The school began gathering art pieces in 1942, when exhibition opportunities for African American artists were limited due to segregation. Juried exhibitions have presented more than 900 artists from across the country, and related programs teach and stimulate interest in African American art. 223 James P. Brawley Dr. SW, Atlanta. 404-880-8000. Free. cau.edu/art-museum/
Atlanta University Center Historic District
This National Historic Landmark includes a group of the country’s major higher education institutions for African Americans: Atlanta University, Clark, Morehouse, Morris Brown and Spelman Colleges, and the Interdenominational Theological Center. Atlanta. nps.gov/ places/georgia-atlanta-university-center-historic-district.htm
THINGS TO DO
Roswell Roots
Roswell / Through Feb. 29 This festival of African American history and culture features art and history exhibits, concerts, performances, readings, storytelling and more. See roswellroots.org for schedule and locations.
Black History Month Programming
Children’s Museum of Atlanta Feb. 1-29. Mon.-Tues., Thur.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Wed. Celebrate African American culture and history with a mini musical, education about prominent scientists, engineers, artists and scientists and more. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. $13.95-$18.95. childrensmuseumatlanta.org
Black History Showcase
OneStop Norcross / Feb. 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Enjoy a historical presentation on the civil rights movement and participate in stimulating conversation about this time in history. Registration required. For ages 10 and older. 5030 Georgia Belle Ct., Norcross. 678-225-5400. Free. gwinnettcounty.com
African American Grounds Tour
Oakland Cemetery / Feb. 11, 15, 25 and 29, 1-2 p.m. Tour the final resting places of Atlanta’s black history pioneers, including Maynard Jackson, the first African American mayor. Registration required. 248 Oakland Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-688-2107. Free. oaklandcemetery.com
Black History Month Celebration
Historic DeKalb Courthouse / Feb. 13, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn about the Jazz Age in the South from an African American perspective with presentations, a performance by the Georgia State University Jazz Band and an original documentary. Registration includes a catered buffet lunch. 101 E. Court Square, Decatur. 404-373-1088. $40. dekalbhistory.org
HBCUs: Past, Present and Future Speaker Panel
College Football Hall of Fame / Feb. 21, 5-8 p.m. This event highlights African American players, coaches and administrators who impacted football and looks ahead to the future. 250 Marietta St. NW, Atlanta. 404-880-4800. Free admission during event. cfbhall.com
Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home
Atlanta History Center
