Pensacola Heritage Sites Educate Visitors on Florida’s Black History

Over the last 463 years, the historically and culturally rich town of Pensacola, Fla. has been influenced by various countries and cultures, yet the Black community in particular stands out for its role in shaping Pensacola into the destination it is today. Here’s highlighting a few of its heritage sites.

The General Daniel “Chappie” James Museum and Flight Academy is a must-see museum in Pensacola that commemorates the nation’s first Black Four-Star General’s tremendous accomplishments. Daniel “Chappie” James earned his title through his perseverance and dedication during WWII. Housed in his childhood home, the museum memorializes James’ life with a pointed emphasis in aviation education, meant to inspire future young Black generations. For an earlier perspective on the influence of the Black community, the Julee Panton House in Historic Pensacola is the idyllic location for an immersive and inspiring experience. Julee Panton was a free Black businesswoman and homeowner in the early 1800s. Not only did Panton support her livelihood through selling candles and pastries, but she is also believed to have helped many enslaved people escape to freedom. Through a self-guided tour, admire the urban Creole architecture of her cottage and reflect on her empowering and influential story.

Other Pensacola locations representative of monumental strides in the Black community include Pensacola Pass and Fort Barrancas. Pensacola Pass served as an underground route for freedom seekers in the mid 1800s, while Fort Barrancas was a Unionmaintained military post which became a destination for freedom seekers and Black soldiers in 1863. These two sites were recently named a part of the National Underground Network to Freedom Program, a federal program honoring the indomitable spirit of freedom fighters. Perhaps one of the most identifiable and culturally significant locations in modern

Pensacola is the Belmont-Devilliers Neighborhood. Otherwise known as ‘The Blocks,’ this neighborhood and cultural mecca saw the rise of many Black-owned businesses – notably its entertainment and music venues. These venues nurtured the touring musical performances known as the Chitlin’ Circuit as well as the careers of notable performers such as Sam Cooke and B.B. King. Belmont-Devilliers is also well-known for its culinary excellence – a fact that remains true to this day. Black-owned restaurants such as the Five Sisters Blues Cafe stand out among Pensacola’s offerings, with classic southern soul food and delivering a swanky Sunday Jazz Brunch.

A new addition to Pensacola, Celestine Bed & Breakfast offers quaint accommodations in the historic North Hill neighborhood. Named in honor of Celestine Harrison, the owners’ great grandmother, each one of the five private retreats is named after

Celestine’s children – James, Jean, Lois, Mary, and Horace. Celestine and her husband were long-time residents of North Hill, and her husband was a truck driver for Gulf Cleaners in the Belmont-Devilliers neighborhood and serving residents of North Hill, who first moved to Pensacola in time of segregation. Their children, Horace and Mary, were a part of the historic sit-ins in downtown Pensacola, serving as two of the 30-plus students who were arrested for sitting at the lunch counter in the 1960s; a plaque commemorates this moment in Pensacola today. Horace was also the first Black male student to graduate from Pensacola High School.

Throughout the halls and walls of Celestine, visitors have an opportunity to live amongst history – taking in moments and memorabilia throughout the house that are inspired by Pensacola’s rich Black heritage, including custom wallpaper that features vignettes of the Harrison’s family photos and Pensacola news articles that were recreated with pen and ink. The home was first acquired by Celestine’s grandchildren in 2019 and has gone through extensive renovations – created with the goal to share the Harrison family’s story with the community. m