Wall Art
Pillows
Related Sources
Documentaries & Other Media
Rare 1920s Footage: All-Black Towns Living the American Dream | National Geographic By the 1920s, Oklahoma was home to some 50 African-American towns, in addition to a large and prosperous black community living in the city of Tulsa. These towns and their self-reliant middle class and affluent residents are documented by the home movies of Reverend S. S. Jones, an itinerant minister and businessman.
Video Link
National Geographic: (2016, October 2). All-Black Towns Living the American Dream [video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_dKmtCWWao
Films of Reverend Solomon Sir Jones showcases the work of a successful Baptist minister and early documentary filmmaker in Oklahoma during the 1920s. He was a defender of the movement for All-Black Oklahoma towns, wholly built and governed by Black settlers. Starting in 1924 Jones recorded life in the towns of Taft, Clearview, Melvin, and Boley with then-new 16 mm film equipment.
The surviving footage totals 355 minutes, and preserves images of worship, sporting events, schools, parades, businessmen, Masonic meetings, picnics, funerals and Juneteenth celebrations.
Video Link
Detroit Institute of Arts: (2021, February 15). Films of Reverend Solomon Sir Jones [video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izbwaoUUYdg
Faubourg Tremé: The Untold Story of Black New Orleans
Past and present collide in this powerful documentary about Faubourg Tremé, the fabled New Orleans’ neighborhood that gave birth to jazz, launched America’s first black daily newspaper, and nurtured generations of African American activists.
Video Link
New Day Films: (2016, March 1). Faubourg Tremé: The Untold Story of Black New Orleans [video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_o9BEeHVNmQ
Carolina Stories | Gullah Roots
Gullah Roots dives deep into South Carolina’s ties with West Africa, educating viewers about Gullah heritage, including spiritual, musical and artistic traditions.
Video Link
PBS: (2020, October 1). Carolina Stories, Gullah Roots [video]. PBS. https://www.pbs.org/video/gullah-roots-tpxcfm/
The Harlem Renaissance
This video details the revolutionary, artistic, and literary aspects of the Harlem Renaissance movement.
Video Link
High Velocity Philosophy: (2024, January 3). Harlem Renaissance [video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Crq0BRbOx8I
Museums, Centers & Libraries
Mound Bayou Museum of African American History and Culture
Greenwood Rising Black Wall St. History Center
The National Museum of African-American History and Culture
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
Backstreet Cultural Museum In New Orleans Tremé New Orleans
Museum of the Free People of Color Tremé New Orleans
Bronzeville Center for Arts
Weeksville Heritage Center
Hayti Heritage Center
Auburn Avenue Research Library
Africatown Heritage Preservation Foundation
Blogs & Organizations
HBTSA.org
Blackpast.org
SUNUJournal.com
Gullahseacoast.com
CivilRightsTrail.com
Featured Content
HIST. BLACK DISTRICTS
& COMMUNITIES
Historic African American districts, settlements, and towns have a rich history that
spans both pre- and post-Civil War eras. Before the war, free Black communities emerged in the North and South, despite legal and social barriers, serving as centers of cultural and economic development. The Civil War and Emancipation Proclamation led to the creation of many Black towns and districts during and after Reconstruction. Despite Jim Crow laws, these communities laid the foundation for future generations. Over 1,200 Black settlements and towns were established between the late 18th and early 20th centuries, according to the Historic Black Towns and Settlements Alliance.
_tif.png)
FEATURED DISTRICTS, TOWNS & SETTLEMENTS
FEATURED NEWSPAPERS
WEEKSVILLE
Weeksville, N.Y., was one of
the largest and most successful
free Black communities in the
United States during the 19th century. Founded in the early
1830s by free Black residents, including James Weeks, for
whom the settlement was
named, Weeksville grew into
a thriving community by the
mid-19th century. The residents established a network of busi-
nesses, schools, churches,
and social organizations,
reflecting their commitment
to self-determination and
cultural preservation.
MOUND BAYOU
Mound Bayou, Miss., is a
historic African American
community founded in 1887
by former slaves Isaiah T. Montgomery and Benjamin
Green. Established on land
purchased from the Choctaw
Nation, the town was designed
as a self-sustaining refuge for
African Americans, free from
racial discrimination. It quickly became prosperous, with
businesses, schools, churches,
and a newspaper, Mound Bayou Enterprises. The community emphasized education, provi-
ding quality schooling for
Black children and promoting
a culture of advancement.
ROSEWOOD
Established in the early 20th
century, Rosewood, Florida,
was a thriving Black community known for its strong economy
and sense of unity. By the 1920s,
it boasted businesses, a school,
and a church. However, in January 1923, the town was destroyed
during a racial massacre in which
a mob looted, burned homes,
and killed residents. Many Black residents fled, leaving the town
in ruins with significant loss of
life and property.
ALLENSWORTH
Allensworth was established in
1908 by Col. Allen Allensworth,
an African American military
officer, and his associates. It
was envisioned as a place where African Americans could achieve economic independence and
live free from racial discrimination.
By the 1910s, Allensworth had developed a range of facilities, including schools, a church, a
hotel, and various businesses.
The community was noted for
its strong emphasis on education
and civic engagement.
HAYTI & PARRISH ST.
Hayti and Parrish Street are historically significant African American communities in
Durham, North Carolina. Hayti,
often called the "Black Wall St.
of Durham," was established in
the late 19th century as a thriving Black business and cultural district. Parrish St., the heart of Hayti's business district, gained national recognition for its concentration
of Black-owned businesses,
including banks, insurance
companies, and law firms. Both Hayti and Parrish St. were
cultural hubs, home to schools, churches and social organizations
that fostered a strong sense of community and identity.
GREENWOOD
Greenwood, a district in Tulsa, Oklahoma, famously known as
"Black Wall Street," was one of
the wealthiest Black communities
in early 20th-century America.
Founded by Black entrepreneurs,
it thrived with businesses, schools, churches, and a vibrant cultural
scene. In 1921, Greenwood suffered one of the most devastating racial violence incidents in U.S. history, resulting in the destruction of over
35 blocks and leaving hundreds
dead or injured. Despite this,
the community demonstrated resilience by rebuilding in the
years that followed. impacting
their community.
JACKSON WARD
Jackson Ward, located in
Richmond, Virginia, is one of
the most historically significant African American communities
in the United States. Often
referred to as the "Black Wall
Street of the South," Jackson
Ward emerged in the late 19th
and early 20th centuries as a
thriving center of Black culture, business, and political activity. The neighborhood was home
to a vibrant Black middle class,
with numerous Black-owned businesses, including banks,
insurance companies, theaters,
and restaurants. It was also
a hub for Black arts and entertainment, attracting
renowned musicians.
AFRICA TOWN
Africa Town, near Mobile,
Alabama, was founded in 1860
by 110 West Africans who were illegally brought to the U.S. on
the Clotilda, the last known
slave ship. After the Civil War,
the Clotilda survivors established Africa Town to preserve their
African culture, language, and traditions. The community thrived
with its own governance, homes, schools, and churches. Africa Town became a symbol of resilience
and cultural preservation, passing down heritage through generations. Despite economic and environ-
mental challenges, it remains a significant landmark in African American history.
HARLEM
Harlem, New York City, is a
historic African American
community renowned for its
cultural and political significance. During the early 20th century, particularly the 1920s and 1930s, Harlem became a vibrant epicenter
of the Harlem Renaissance, showcasing a flourishing of
African American arts and intellect. This era saw the rise of notable
figures like Langston Hughes,
Duke Ellington, and Zora Neale Hurston. The neighborhood
attracted a large influx of Black residents during the Great
Migration, seeking refuge from
racial discrimination in the South. Throughout the 20th century,
Harlem played a crucial role in
the civil rights movement and
remains a powerful symbol of
Black empowerment and
cultural identity.
SWEET AUBURN
Sweet Auburn, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a historically significant African American community. Esta-blished in the late 19th century,
it became a vibrant hub of Black culture, business, and politics, centered around Auburn Ave. By
the early 20th century, Sweet
Auburn was renowned for its
thriving Black-owned businesses, including banks, insurance
companies, and theaters, and
was home to institutions like the
Atlanta Daily World, one of the
first Black-owned newspapers in
the South. It played a crucial role
in the Civil Rights Movement,
hosting meetings and demon-
strations for racial equality.
Despite economic challenges,
Sweet Auburn remains a symbol
of African American heritage
and resilience.
HOG HAMMOCK
Hog Hammock, located on Sapelo Island, Georgia, is a
historic African American
community established in the
late 19th century. Founded by
the descendants of enslaved
Africans, it was one of the few
Black-owned communities in
the South. After emancipation, residents built a close-knit
community with schools,
churches, and social institu-
tions, preserving African
American culture and Gullah
traditions despite economic
and social challenges. The
community is noted for
its resilience and ongoing
cultural heritage.
7TH STREET
7th St. in West Oakland, California,
is a historically significant African American community known for
its vibrant cultural and economic
life during the early-to-mid 20th century. In the 1940s and 1950s,
the area became a bustling center
for Black-owned businesses and cultural institutions. It was renowned for its lively nightlife, including jazz clubs and theaters, which attracted prominent artists and musicians. The neighborhood was also a focal point for political activism and community organizing.
U STREET
U Street in Washington, D.C.,
is a historic African American community renowned for its
cultural, political and social
impact. In the early 20th century,
it was a vibrant center of Black
culture, known as "Black Broadway"
for its lively nightlife and key
venues. U Street played a significant role in African American political
activism and civil rights movements. The neighborhood faced challenges
such as economic decline and
urban renewal projects later
in the century, but it has since experienced a resurgence.
Today, U Street remains a symbol
of African American heritage, celebrated through cultural
events, historic landmarks, and
a thriving arts scene.
BRONZEVILLE
Bronzeville, on Chicago's South
Side, is a historic African American community known for its cultural
and economic achievements. Established in the early 20th
century, it became a vibrant
center for Black culture
and business during the Great
Migration. By the 1920s and
1930s, Bronzeville was a bustling
hub with thriving businesses and
a vibrant arts scene, including influential jazz and blues clubs.
Home to notable figures like Ida
B. Wells and Louis Armstrong, Bronzeville remains a symbol of African American resilience and
pride, continuing to celebrate
its legacy through cultural
events and historic landmarks.
FILLMORE
Fillmore, in San Francisco,
was a vibrant African American community known for its lively
jazz scene and cultural life in
the early-to-mid 20th century.
In the 1940s and 1950s, it
became a hub for Black
culture, featuring jazz clubs
and businesses. However, the
1960s urban redevelopment
led to significant displacement
and loss of the neighborhood’s
cultural heritage. Despite these challenges, Fillmore remains
a symbol of African American
history and resilience.
BEALE STREET
Beale Street in Memphis,
Tennessee, is a historic African American community celebrated
for its cultural and musical
legacy. Established in the early
20th century, it became a vibrant
center for Black entertainment, especially during the 1920s and
1930s. Known for its lively blues
and jazz venues, Beale Street
played a key role in the development of blues music and was home to
iconic musicians like B.B. King
and W.C. Handy. Despite economic
and social challenges, Beale Street
has been revitalized and remains a symbol of African American musical history and culture.
TREMÉ CONGO SQUARE
Tremé and Congo Square,
located in New Orleans,
Louisiana, are deeply significant
in African American history
and culture. Tremé, one of the
oldest Black neighborhoods
in the U.S., has been a cultural
hub since the early 19th century, known for its rich traditions,
including the development of
jazz. Congo Square, situated
within Tremé, is especially
notable as a historic gathering
place where enslaved and free
Black people would meet on
Sundays to dance, play music,
and preserve African traditions.
This vibrant cultural exchange
was crucial in shaping the musical
and cultural heritage of New
Orleans. Both Tremé and Congo Square remain vital symbols
of African American resilience,
cultural pride and creativity.
ST. HELENA ISLAND
St. Helena Isl., South Carolina,
is a historic African American community known for its
Gullah heritage. Established
in the late 19th century by descendants of enslaved
Africans, the island became
a center for preserving African
cultural traditions. Residents
built schools, churches, and
social institutions, maintaining
their unique language and
customs. Despite challenges,
St. Helena Isl. continues to be
a stronghold of Gullah culture
and African American heritage.
HIST. BLACK DISTRICTS
& COMMUNITIES
Historic African American districts, settlements, and towns have
a rich history that spans both pre- and post-Civil War eras. Before
the war, free Black communities emerged in the North and South, despite legal and social barriers, serving as centers of cultural and economic development. The Civil War and Emancipation Procla-mation led to the creation of many Black towns and districts during and after Reconstruction. Despite Jim Crow laws, these commu-
nities laid the foundation for future generations. Over 1,200 Black settlements and towns were established between the late 18th
and early 20th centuries, according to the Historic Black Towns
and Settlements Alliance.
_tif.png)
FEATURED DISTRICTS, TOWNS & SETTLEMENTS
FEATURED NEWSPAPERS
WEEKSVILLE
Weeksville, N.Y., was one of the largest and
most successful free Black communities in
the United States during the 19th century.
Founded in the early 1830s by free Black
residents, including James Weeks, for whom
the settlement was named, Weeksville grew
into a thriving community by the mid-19th
century. The residents established a network
of businesses, schools, churches, and social organizations, reflecting their commitment to
self-determination and cultural preservation.
MOUND BAYOU
Mound Bayou, Miss., is a historic African American community founded in 1887 by former slaves Isaiah T. Montgomery and Benjamin Green. Established on land purchased from the Choctaw Nation, the town was designed as a self-sustaining refuge for African Americans, free from racial discrimination. It quickly became prosperous, with businesses, schools, chur-ches, and a newspaper, Mound Bayou Enterprises. The community emphasized education, providing quality schooling for Black children and promoting
a culture of advancement.
ROSEWOOD
Established in the early 20th century, Rosewood, Florida, was a thriving Black community known
for its strong economy and sense of unity. By
the 1920s, it boasted businesses, a school, and
a church. However, in January 1923, the town
was destroyed during a racial massacre in which
a mob looted, burned homes, and killed residents. Many Black residents fled, leaving the town in
ruins with significant loss of life and property.
ALLENSWORTH
Allensworth was established in 1908 by Col. Allen Allensworth, an African American military officer, and his associates. It was envisioned as a place where African Americans could achieve economic independence and live free from racial discrimi-nation. By the 1910s, Allensworth had developed
a range of facilities, including schools, a church,
a hotel, and various businesses. The community
was noted for its strong emphasis on education
and civic engagement.
HAYTI & PARRISH ST.
Hayti and Parrish Street are historically significant African American communities in Durham, North Carolina. Hayti, often called the "Black Wall Street
of Durham," was established in the late 19th century as a thriving Black business and cultural district. Parrish St., the heart of Hayti's business district, gained national recognition for its concentration of Black-owned businesses, including banks, insurance companies, and law firms. Both Hayti and Parrish
St. were cultural hubs, home to schools, churches,
and social organizations that fostered a strong
sense of community and identity.
GREENWOOD
Greenwood, a district in Tulsa, Ok., famously known as "Black Wall Street," was one of the wealthiest Black communities in early 20th-century America. Founded by Black entrepreneurs, it thrived with businesses, schools, churches, and a vibrant cultural scene. In 1921, Greenwood suffered one of the most devastating racial violence incidents in U.S. history, resulting in the destruction of over 35 blocks and leaving hundreds dead or injured. Despite this, the community demonstrated resilience by rebuilding in the years that followed. impacting their community.
JACKSON WARD
Jackson Ward, located in Richmond, Virginia,
is one of the most historically significant African American communities in the United States. Often referred to as the "Black Wall Street of the South," Jackson Ward emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a thriving center of Black culture, business, and political activity. The neighborhood was home to a vibrant Black middle class, with numerous Black-owned businesses, including banks, insurance companies, theaters, and restaurants. It was also a hub for Black arts and entertainment, attracting renowned musicians.
AFRICA TOWN
Africa Town, near Mobile, Alabama, was founded
in 1860 by 110 West Africans who were illegally brought to the U.S. on the Clotilda, the last known slave ship. After the Civil War, the Clotilda survivors established Africa Town to preserve their African culture, language, and traditions. The community thrived with its own governance, homes, schools, and churches. Africa Town became a symbol of resilience and cultural preservation, passing down heritage through generations. Despite economic
and environmental challenges, it remains a signi-ficant landmark in African American history.
HARLEM
Harlem, New York City, is a historic African
American community renowned for its cultural
and political significance. During the early
20th century, particularly the 1920s and 1930s, Harlem became a vibrant epicenter of the Harlem Renaissance, showcasing a flourishing of African American arts and intellect. This era saw the rise
of notable figures like Langston Hughes, Duke Ellington, and Zora Neale Hurston. The neighbor-hood attracted a large influx of Black residents during the Great Migration, seeking refuge from racial discrimination in the South. Throughout
the 20th century, Harlem played a crucial role in
the civil rights movement and remains a powerful symbol of Black empowerment and cultural identity.
SWEET AUBURN
Sweet Auburn, located in Atlanta, Georgia,
is a historically significant African American
community. Established in the late 19th cen-
tury, it became a vibrant hub of Black culture,
business, and politics, centered around Auburn
Ave. By the early 20th century, Sweet Auburn
was renowned for its thriving Black-owned businesses, including banks, insurance compa-
nies, and theaters, and was home institutions
like the Atlanta Daily World, one of the first
Black-owned newspapers in the South. It play-
ed a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement,
hosting meetings and demonstrations for racial equality. Despite economic challenges, Sweet Auburn remains a symbol of African American heritage and resilience.
HOG HAMMOCK
Hog Hammock, located on Sapelo Isl., Georgia,
is a historic African American community estab-lished in the late 19th century. Founded by the descendants of enslaved Africans, it was one of
the few Black-owned communities in the South. After emancipation, residents built a close-knit community with schools, churches, and social
institutions, preserving African American cul-
ture and Gullah traditions despite economic
and social challenges. The community is noted
for its resilience and ongoing cultural heritage.
7TH STREET
7th St. in West Oakland, California, is a histori-
cally significant African American community
known for its vibrant cultural and economic life during the early-to-mid 20th century. In the 1940s and 1950s, the area became a bustling center for
Black-owned businesses and cultural institutions.
It was renowned for its lively nightlife, including
jazz clubs and theaters, which attracted promi-
nent artists and musicians. The neighborhood
was also a focal point for political activism and community organizing.
U STREET
U Street in Washington, D.C., is a historic African American community renowned for its cultural, political, and social impact. In the early 20th century, it was a vibrant center of Black culture, known as "Black Broadway" for its lively night-
life and key venues. U Street played a significant role in African American political activism and
civil rights movements. The neighborhood faced challenges such as economic decline and urban renewal projects later in the century, but it has since experienced a resurgence. Today, U Street remains a symbol of African American heritage, celebrated through cultural events, historic land-marks, and a thriving arts scene.
BRONZEVILLE
Bronzeville, on Chicago's South Side, is a historic African American community known for its cultural and economic achievements. Established in the early 20th century, it became a vibrant center
for Black culture and business during the Great Migration. By the 1920s and 1930s, Bronzeville
was a bustling hub with thriving businesses and
a vibrant arts scene, including influential jazz
and blues clubs. Home to notable figures like
Ida B. Wells and Louis Armstrong, Bronzeville remains a symbol of African American resilience and pride, continuing to celebrate its legacy through cultural events and historic landmarks.
FILLMORE
Fillmore, in San Francisco, was a vibrant African American community known for its lively jazz
scene and cultural life in the early-to-mid 20th century. In the 1940s and 1950s, it became a
hub for Black culture, featuring jazz clubs and businesses. However, the 1960s urban rede-velopment led to significant displacement and
loss of the neighborhood’s cultural heritage. Despite these challenges, Fillmore remains a symbol of African American history and resilience.
BEALE STREET
Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, is a historic African American community celebrated for its cultural and musical legacy. Established in the
early 20th century, it became a vibrant center
for Black entertainment, especially during the
1920s and 1930s. Known for its lively blues and
jazz venues, Beale Street played a key role in
the development of blues music and was home
to iconic musicians like B.B. King and W.C. Handy. Despite economic and social challenges, Beale Street has been revitalized and remains a symbol
of African American musical history and culture.
TREMÉ CONGO SQUARE
Tremé and Congo Square, located in
New Orleans, Louisiana, are deeply sig-
nificant in African American history and
culture. Tremé, one of the oldest Black
neighborhoods in the U.S., has been a
cultural hub since the early 19th century,
known for its rich traditions, including the development of jazz. Congo Square, situa-
ted within Tremé, is especially notable as
a historic gathering place where enslaved
and free Black people would meet on
Sundays to dance, play music, and pre-
serve African traditions. This vibrant
cultural exchange was crucial in shaping
the musical and cultural heritage of New
Orleans. Both Tremé and Congo Square
remain vital symbols of African American
resilience, cultural pride and creativity.
ST. HELENA ISLAND
St. Helena Isl., South Carolina, is a historic
African American community known for its
Gullah heritage. Established in the late 19th century by descendants of enslaved Africans,
the island became a center for preserving
African cultural traditions. Residents built
schools, churches, and social institutions, maintaining their unique language and
customs. Despite challenges, St. Helena Isl. continues to be a stronghold of Gullah cul-
ture and African American heritage.
HIST. BLACK DISTRICTS
& COMMUNITIES
Historic African American districts, settlements, and towns have a rich history that spans both pre- and post-Civil War eras. Before the war, free Black communities emerged in the North and South, despite legal and social barriers, serving as centers of cultural and economic development. The Civil War and Emancipation Proclamation led to the creation of many Black towns and districts during and after Reconstruction. Despite Jim Crow laws, these communities laid the foundation for future generations. Over 1,200 Black settlements and towns were established between the late 18th and early 20th centuries, according to the Historic Black Towns and Settlements Alliance.
FEATURED DISTRICTS, TOWNS & SETTLEMENTS
FEATURED NEWSPAPERS
WEEKSVILLE
Weeksville, N.Y., was one of the largest and
most successful free Black communities in
the United States during the 19th century.
Founded in the early 1830s by free Black
residents, including James Weeks, for whom
the settlement was named, Weeksville grew
into a thriving community by the mid-19th
century. The residents established a network
of businesses, schools, churches, and social organizations, reflecting their commitment to
self-determination and cultural preservation.
MOUND BAYOU
Mound Bayou, Miss., is a historic African
American community founded in 1887 by
former slaves Isaiah T. Montgomery and
Benjamin Green. Established on land pur-
chased from the Choctaw Nation, the town
was designed as a self-sustaining refuge
for African Americans, free from racial
discrimination. It quickly became prosper-
ous, with businesses, schools, churches,
and a newspaper, Mound Bayou Enterprises.
The community emphasized education, pro-
viding quality schooling for Black children
and promoting a culture of advancement.
ROSEWOOD
Established in the early 20th century,
Rosewood, Florida, was a thriving
Black community known for its strong
economy and sense of unity. By the
1920s, it boasted businesses, a school,
and a church. However, in January 1923,
the town was destroyed during a racial
massacre in which a mob looted, burned
homes, and killed residents. Many Black
residents fled, leaving the town in ruins
with significant loss of life and property.
ALLENSWORTH
Allensworth was established in 1908
by Col. Allen Allensworth, an African
American military officer, and his asso-
ciates. It was envisioned as a place
where African Americans could achieve
economic independence and live free
from racial discrimination.By the 1910s,
Allensworth had developed a range of
facilities, including schools, a church, a
hotel, and various businesses. The com-
munity was noted for its strong emphasis
on education and civic engagement.
HAYTI & PARRISH ST.
Hayti and Parrish Street are historically
significant African American communities
in Durham, North Carolina. Hayti, often
called the "Black Wall Street of Durham,"
was established in the late 19th century
as a thriving Black business and cultural
district. Parrish St., the heart of Hayti's
business district, gained national recog-
nition for its concentration of Black-owned businesses, including banks, insurance
companies, and law firms. Both Hayti
and Parrish St. were cultural hubs,
home to schools, churches, and social
organizations that fostered a strong
sense of community and identity.
GREENWOOD
Greenwood, a district in Tulsa, Ok.,
famously known as "Black Wall Street,"
was one of the wealthiest Black
communities in early 20th-century
America. Founded by Black entre-
preneurs, it thrived with businesses,
schools, churches, and a vibrant
cultural scene. In 1921, Greenwood
suffered one of the most devasta-
ting racial violence incidents in
U.S. history, resulting in the destruc-
tion of over 35 blocks and leaving
hundreds dead or injured. Despite this,
the community demonstrated resili-
ence by rebuilding in the years that
followed. impacting their community.
JACKSON WARD
Jackson Ward, located in Richmond,
Virginia, is one of the most historically
significant African American commu-
nities in the United States. Often
referred to as the "Black Wall Street
of the South," Jackson Ward emerged
in the late 19th and early 20th centu-
ries as a thriving center of Black
culture, business, and political acti-
vity. The neighborhood was home
to a vibrant Black middle class, with
numerous Black-owned businesses,
including banks, insurance companies,
theaters, and restaurants. It was also
a hub for Black arts and entertain-
ment, attracting renowned musicians.
AFRICA TOWN
Africa Town, near Mobile, Alabama,
was founded in 1860 by 110 West
Africans who were illegally brought
to the U.S. on the Clotilda, the last
known slave ship. After the Civil
War, the Clotilda survivors establi-
shed Africa Town to preserve their
African culture, language, and tradi-
tions. The community thrived with
its own governance, homes, schools,
and churches. Africa Town became
a symbol of resilience and cultural
preservation, passing down heritage
through generations. Despite econo-
mic and environmental challenges,
it remains a significant landmark in
African American history.
HARLEM
Harlem, New York City, is a historic
African American community renowned
for its cultural and political signifi-
cance. During the early 20th century,
particularly the 1920s and 1930s,
Harlem became a vibrant epicenter
of the Harlem Renaissance, showcasing
a flourishing of African American arts
and intellect. This era saw the rise of
notable figures like Langston Hughes,
Duke Ellington, and Zora Neale Hurston.
The neighborhood attracted a large
influx of Black residents during the
Great Migration, seeking refuge from
racial discrimination in the South.
Throughout the 20th century, Harlem
played a crucial role in the civil rights
movement and remains a powerful
symbol of Black empowerment and
cultural identity.
SWEET AUBURN
Sweet Auburn, located in Atlanta,
Georgia, is a historically significant
African American community. Estab-
lished in the late 19th century, it
became a vibrant hub of Black culture,
business, and politics, centered around
Auburn Ave. By the early 20th century,
Sweet Auburn was renowned for its
thriving Black-owned businesses, inclu-
ding banks, insurance companies, and
theaters, and was home institutions like
the Atlanta Daily World, one of the first
Black-owned newspapers in the South.
It played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement, hosting meetings and demon-
strations for racial equality. Despite eco-
nomic challenges, Sweet Auburn remains
a symbol of African American heritage
and resilience.
HOG HAMMOCK
Hog Hammock, located on Sapelo Isl.,
Georgia, is a historic African American
community established in the late 19th
century. Founded by the descendants
of enslaved Africans, it was one of the
few Black-owned communities in the
South. After emancipation, residents
built a close-knit community with
schools, churches, and social institu-
tions, preserving African American
culture and Gullah traditions despite
economic and social challenges. The
community is noted for its resilience
and ongoing cultural heritage.
7TH STREET
7th St. in West Oakland, California, is a
historically significant African American community known for its vibrant cult-
ural and economic life during the early-
to-mid 20th century. In the 1940s and
1950s, the area became a bustling center
for Black-owned businesses and cultural institutions. It was renowned for its lively
nightlife, including jazz clubs and theaters,
which attracted prominent artists and
musicians. The neighborhood was also
a focal point for political activism and
community organizing.
U STREET
U Street in Washington, D.C., is a
historic African American community
renowned for its cultural, political,
and social impact. In the early 20th
century, it was a vibrant center of Black
culture, known as "Black Broadway"
for its lively nightlife and key venues.
U Street played a significant role in
African American political activism and
civil rights movements. The neighbor-
hood faced challenges such as economic
decline and urban renewal projects later
in the century, but it has since experi-
enced a resurgence. Today, U Street
remains a symbol of African American
heritage, celebrated through cultural
events, historic landmarks, and a
thriving arts scene.
BRONZEVILLE
Bronzeville, on Chicago's South Side, is
a historic African American community
known for its cultural and economic achievements. Established in the early
20th century, it became a vibrant center
for Black culture and business during the
Great Migration. By the 1920s and 1930s, Bronzeville was a bustling hub with thri-
ving businesses and a vibrant arts scene, including influential jazz and blues clubs.
Home to notable figures like Ida B. Wells
and Louis Armstrong, Bronzeville remains
a symbol of African American resilience
and pride, continuing to celebrate
its legacy through cultural events and
historic landmarks.
FILLMORE
Fillmore, in San Francisco, was a vibrant
African American community known for
its lively jazz scene and cultural life in the
early-to-mid 20th century. In the 1940s
and 1950s, it became a hub for Black cul-
ture, featuring jazz clubs and businesses. However, the 1960s urban redevelopment
led to significant displacement and loss
of the neighborhood’s cultural heritage.
Despite these challenges, Fillmore remains
a symbol of African American history
and resilience.
BEALE STREET
Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee,
is a historic African American community celebrated for its cultural and musical
legacy. Established in the early 20th
century, it became a vibrant center for
Black entertainment, especially during
the 1920s and 1930s. Known for its lively
blues and jazz venues, Beale St.played
a key role in the development of blues
music and was home to iconic musicians
like B.B. King and W.C. Handy. Despite
economic and social challenges, Beale
Street has been revitalized and remains
a symbol of African American musical
history and culture.
TREMÉ CONGO SQUARE
Tremé and Congo Square, located
in New Orleans, Louisiana, are deeply
significant in African American history
and culture. Tremé, one of the oldest
Black neighborhoods in the U.S., has
been a cultural hub since the early
19th century, known for its rich tradi-
tions, including the development of
jazz. Congo Square, situated within
Tremé, is especially notable as a his-
toric gathering place where enslaved
and free Black people would meet
on Sundays to dance, play music, and
preserve African traditions. This vibrant
cultural exchange was crucial in shaping
the musical and cultural heritage of
New Orleans. Both Tremé and Congo
Square remain vital symbols of African
American resilience, cultural pride,
and creativity.
ST. HELENA ISLAND
St. Helena Isl., South Carolina, is a historic
African American community known for
its Gullah heritage. Established in the late
19th century by descendants of enslaved
Africans, the island became a center for
preserving African cultural traditions. Resi-
dents built schools, churches, and social institutions, maintaining their unique lan-
guage and customs. Despite challenges, St.
Helena Isl. continues to be a stronghold of
Gullah culture and African American heritage.