In Atlanta, we walk in the footsteps of Civil Rights leaders during Black History Month, and every month. This February, take the opportunity to honor and acknowledge Black contributions by taking a closer look at some of Atlanta’s (and our nation’s) most important historical sites—many of which we probably pass in carpool every day. Brush up on Black history with a walk or a history lesson, and see our city through entirely new eyes.
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Visit the MLK National Historical Park
What do you know about the Civil Rights Movement? Learn something new about the people from the past—famous and not so famous— who played a part in the movement. The Visitor Center, Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Freedom Hall are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The Birth Home is open for ranger-led tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Fire Station No. 6 is staffed by park volunteers and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. when volunteers are available. All sites are free to the public.
Covid Note: In accordance with guidance from the CDC and recommendations from public health authorities, all buildings within the park are temporarily closed. Visitors are welcomed to park and take a self-guided tour of the campus.
450 Auburn Ave., NE
Atlanta, Ga
404-331-5190
Online: nps.gov
Visit the Apex Museum
The Apex Museum in the Sweet Auburn Historic District is packed with knowledge of the African- American experience from Africa to America. While the museum focuses a great deal on slavery, it also takes a deep dive into African culture, Black inventors, and Black leaders. Exhibits span from “Africa the Untold Story,” where visitors can learn about the African continent over the past 6,000 years, to “Sweet Auburn Street Pride,” that helps visitors experience a more localized history of African-American life in Atlanta.
135 Auburn Ave. NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Online: apexmuseum.org
Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Center
Begin your tour of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center by following the Civil Rights Walk of Fame, past the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, and proceed to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site Visitor Center, where you can reserve a ticket for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birth Home. Proceed east on Auburn to enter the King Center’s outdoor campus where you can view the crypt of Dr. and Mrs. King, the Eternal Flame, Freedom Walkway and the Reflecting Pool at will. Walk eastward along the pool to Freedom Hall, where you can learn more about Dr. King, Mrs. King and The King Center through immersive exhibits.
Walk Through The National Center for Civil & Human Rights
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights believes in justice and dignity for all, and the power of people to make this idea real. They inspire visitors with immersive exhibitions, dynamic events and conversations, and engagement and education/training programs. Be sure to download their “Across Generations” intergenerational conversation starter for you to use on your visit.
100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. NW
Atlanta, GA
Online: civilandhumanrights.org
Take the African American Burial Grounds Tour at Oakland Cemetery
Throughout February, Historic Oakland Foundation hosts free guided walking tours of Oakland Cemetery’s historic African American Burial Grounds, with stops at the final resting places of a few Atlanta pioneers, including Carrie Steele Logan, founder of Atlanta’s first orphanage for African American children; William Finch, one of Atlanta’s first African American city councilmen; Bishop Wesley John Gaines and Julia A. Gaines, pastor and First Lady of Big Bethel A.M.E. Church; and Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first African American mayor. While the tour is free, donations are greatly appreciated and will be designated specifically for the ongoing restoration of the historic African American Burial Grounds. Registration is required. Here‘s the scoop.
248 Oakland Ave, SE
Atlanta, GA
404-688-2107
Online: oaklandcemetery.com
Visit Morehouse College, MLK’s Alma Mater
Morehouse College, founded in 1867, is a historically black, private liberal arts college for men. One of the college’s most distinguished alumnus is Martin Luther King, Jr., who graduated in 1948. Inside The Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel you’ll find a Hall of Honor, with 158 oil portraits of world leaders in the civil and human rights movement, and a bust of Mahatma Gandhi. Outside, you’ll find a bronze statue of Dr. King, and the burial crypt and towering obelisk for Dr. Howard Washington Thurman.
830 Westview Dr. NW
Atlanta GA 30314
Online: morehouse.edu
Find the Student Movement Marker
At the former site of Yates & Milton Drug Store, which is now the Student Center on the campus of Clark Atlanta University, you can find a Georgia Historical Society marker that tells the story of the Atlanta Student Movement, which began when three Morehouse College students—Lonnie King, Joseph Pierce and Julian Bond—formed the Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights and involved all the historically black institutions of the Atlanta University Center (AUC). AUC students conducted sit-ins at segregated lunch counters throughout Atlanta, movie theaters, parks and the Georgia State Capitol. When the students targeted the Magnolia Room at Rich’s Department Store in downtown Atlanta, Martin Luther King, Jr. and his brother A.D. King joined them and were arrested with 77 student demonstrators. Protests continued over the next year until desegregation was achieved.
Corner of James P. Brawley Dr. SW & Atlanta Student Movement Blvd.
Atlanta GA 30314
Visit the Rep. John Lewis Mural
This 70-foot mural of the late Rep. John Lewis is located on the east side of the current Renaissance Walk building. Lewis was a politician and civil rights leader who served as the U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 5th congressional district. Located in an area of downtown with much historical significance, you’ll be walking in Lewis’ footsteps if you go to pay this mural a visit. The Butler Street YMCA building, where civil rights leaders met in the 1960s, is directly south of this mural, and dozens of historical churches and businesses surround it in the Sweet Auburn Historic District.
219 Auburn Ave. NE
Pedal Through History with Civil Bikes
Civil Bikes brings a fresh perspective to Civil Rights. Explore Atlanta history and human rights issues on a guided bike tour that takes you to places that make Atlanta unique. Check out an upcoming schedule of Atlanta walking and bike tours of greater Atlanta, Georgia’s storied Sweet Auburn and historic West End neighborhoods. All tours are family friendly, and can accommodate any level of cyclists (or walkers!). Once you register for your Civil Bikes walking or bike tour, you will receive an email with details on where and when to meet, where to park, what to bring, and more.
Online: civilbikes.com
Attend a Service or Visit Ebenezer Baptist Church
Each Sunday, visitors from around the globe join church members at the historic church where Dr. Martin Luther King served as Pastor—in person at Ebenezer or via Ebenezer Everywhere—to experience Ebenezer’s history. The doors are open to all, and in addition to visiting the original church, you should be sure to check out the Visitor’s Center, the nearby King Center, Birth Home, World Peace Rose Garden, and Behold Monument.
Covid update: In-person service is cancelled until further notice. Live worship is available via FB Live.
407 Auburn Ave. NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Online: ebenezeratl.org