Pack Up + Go Celebrates Black History Month
February is a time of reflection, celebration, and education as we honor Black History Month.
It's a month dedicated to recognizing the significant contributions and achievements of Black Americans throughout history.
Pack Up + Go believes in the power of travel to educate, inspire, and bring people together, and in celebration of Black History Month, we're highlighting destinations rich in Black heritage and culture. We encourage travelers to explore more and immerse themselves in the stories that showcase people of color and that have shaped our nation.
Written by the Pack Up + Go Team
Atlanta, GA
Known as the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement, Atlanta is the epicenter of black history in the US. Atlanta, a pivotal city in the civil rights movement, offers numerous sites of historical significance.
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, which includes Dr. King's childhood home and the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he co-pastored, provides insight into the life and legacy of this iconic figure.
Then head over to The National Center for Civil and Human Rights (voted the #1 museum in the city!) to learn all there is to know about Global Human Rights initiatives and Atlanta’s role in the movement. The city's rich history makes it a must-visit for those looking to understand the struggle for civil rights in America.
Birmingham, AL
Birmingham, Alabama, stands as an important reminder of the civil rights struggles and triumphs in America's history.
This city played a central role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, becoming a focal point for significant events that propelled the fight for racial equality. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, located across from the historic Kelly Ingram Park, serves as an interactive museum that chronicles the experiences and struggles of the African American community during this pivotal era.
Kelly Ingram Park itself, once a staging ground for civil rights rallies and demonstrations, features powerful sculptures and memorials that evoke the courage and suffering of those who fought against segregation and injustice. Birmingham's role in the Civil Rights Movement was essential and offers visitors a profound understanding of the resilience, bravery, and determination of those who struggled to change the course of American history.
Boston, MA
William Lloyd Garrison, one of the most prominent abolitionists in the nineteenth century, called Boston home. Today, you can visit this beautiful house. Although privately owned, you can still snap pictures from the outside while on a walk around the picturesque Fort Hill historic district! While in the neighborhood, head over to Roxbury Heritage State Park to stretch your legs and relax in a green space!
While in Boston, also take the chance to walk along the Black Heritage Trail. This 1.5-mile trail covers topics including the Civil War, the Underground Railroad, and the abolition movement. The Trail circles around Beacon Hill a neighborhood that was the heart of 19th-century African American community life and a hub for abolitionist activity, including the African Meeting House, the oldest existing Black church building in the United States.
Take the tour completely self-guided or join a guide in the Spring and Summer months! Learn more here.
Memphis, TN
Memphis, Tennessee, is deeply intertwined with the civil rights movement, most notably marked by the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically assassinated in 1968. This important museum site offers an immersive journey through the struggles and triumphs of the civil rights era.
Memphis is also celebrated for its rich musical legacy, with Beale Street, the historic heart of music + Black culture in Memphis, known as the birthplace of the blues. Legendary venues like the Apollo of the South, the WDIA radio station, and Sun Studio played pivotal roles in the careers of iconic musicians.
The city's Stax Museum of American Soul Music, located at the original site of Stax Records, pays homage to the artists who shaped the sounds of soul music.
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, a city steeped in history, was a key center for abolitionist activity and an important stop on the Underground Railroad. Because Pennsylvania was a free state during the Civil War, people escaping slavery made their way to the city on their journey to freedom. Check out this article by Visit Philadelphia that highlights key Underground Railroad houses!
Philly is notably home to The Johnson House - an important historic site key to the Underground Railroad.
Built by the Johnsons, a family of Quakers, the house is located just outside Philadelphia’s center in Germantown. Take a quick trip while in Philadelphia to visit this important landmark, a place where Harriet Tubman is thought to have frequented!
The African American Museum in Philadelphia is a cornerstone of the city's celebration of Black culture and history, showcasing art, artifacts, and stories that highlight the resilience and achievements of African Americans. Philadelphia's historic Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, founded in 1794 by Bishop Richard Allen, serves as a symbol of faith and freedom, being the oldest African Methodist Episcopal church in the nation.
Washington, D.C.
The nation's capital is home to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, an institution dedicated to documenting African American life, history, and culture. Here, travelers can witness a collection spanning centuries of history, from slavery and the civil rights movement to the present day. The museum's powerful exhibits offer a profound perspective on the resilience and contributions of African Americans.
Another iconic establishment is Ben's Chili Bowl, a culinary landmark and a symbol of resilience and community spirit. Opened in 1958 by Ben and Virginia Ali, Ben's Chili Bowl has withstood the test of time, including the civil rights era, becoming a beloved institution in the U Street corridor, often referred to as "Black Broadway."
Travel has the unique ability to connect us with different cultures and histories.
This Black History Month, we invite you to explore destinations that offer a deep dive into Black history. Cities like Atlanta, Birmingham, Boston, Memphis, Philadelphia, and Washington DC are just a few places where the roots of Black culture and history run deep. These cities offer museums, historic sites, and cultural experiences that provide a window into the African American experience.
When you’re in any of these destination cities, make sure to do your research, and head over to these museums, historic sites, and monuments to learn more about the influence of Black history + culture!