Traveling while visiting cities that relate to your culture is always rewarding. Feeling comfortable around individuals similar to you, enjoying some of your favorite Southern cuisine, and seeing traditions that are relatable just makes traveling easier.
Even though traveling to other countries is something we may all want to experience, the travels that matter the most are the ones that are truly impactful to your way of life and confirms that there are others in the world that enjoy similar traditions that you do. One great way that you can experience these Southern traditions and way of life is by visiting historically black cities.
Unsure about what cities to visit? We, Black Southern Belle, have curated a city list based in Florida so that you and your family can enjoy summer travels filled with Black history.
Source Florida State Library
Historically Black Cities in Florida to Visit This Summer
Tallahassee
A family-friendly city known for its black history and black owned restaurants is Tallahassee, Florida. Black-owned restaurants are the favorite part of Tallahassee, for many travelers, and is the ideal city to visit when you have a family who loves a variety of Southern style cooking. Besides gaining a few pounds from delicious cuisine in Tallahassee, visitors often will take pictures in front of the Rosa Parks Mural at the People’s Advocacy Center or Integration Statue at FSU, and visit the John G. Riley Museum and Frenchtown Farmers Market.
Date: October 13, 1967
Physical descrip: 1 photonegative – b&w – 35 mm.
Series Title: Tallahassee Democrat Collection
Repository: State Library and Archives of Florida
Black History Fact: Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) is one of the largest historically black universities in the nation and is located in Tallahassee, Florida.
Amelia Island
Right off the coast of Florida near the Georgia border lies Ameila Island. Since 1800, blacks have always held the majority at Amelia Island due to the importation of slaves onto the island. Much of African American history lies in Amelia Island and can be explored at the Amelia Island Museum of History or appreciated by the island waters.
Striking Fact: Amelia Island is only 13 miles long and two miles wide but is full of nature.
Pensacola
Pensacola, Florida is filled with black monuments, historic homes, distinct churches, museums, and cultural sites. Whether it’s a drive thru Historic Pensacola Village or hearing stories at the African American Heritage Society, Pensacola, Florida has black history all throughout. The black history continues in Pensacola through the strong roots, support of local business owners, and black community leaders and artists. So, add this city to your travel list if you want to support, enjoy, and learn while exploring.
Date: ca. 1942
General note: Located at 313-315 North Devilliers Street.
Physical descrip: 1 photonegative – b&w – 3 x 5 in.
Series Title: Print collections
Repository: State Library and Archives of Florida
Striking Fact: Daniel “Chappie” James, Jr. was born in Pensacola in 1920 and was the first African American four-star general in the Air Force.
St. Augustine/Fort Mose
Founded by Pedro Menedenze and many members of his team that were black, St. Augustine came to be in 1565. As the city became known, blacks began to shape their own community; Fort Mose. Now, much of black history or black-owned businesses can be found around St. Augustine, Florida. Want to explore the Freedom Trail featuring black historical markers throughout the city? If so, St. Augustine has enough adventures for you!
Striking Fact: Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center tells the story of St. Augustine’s black history starting from the empires of West Africa.
These 4 locations are just a few cities in which Black History is prominent. Florida is a pot filled with cultural information and is a great place to travel during the hotter days and even a greater place to learn about our culture.
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