To commemorate Black History Month Atlanta 2023, this list features 12+ ideas and activities. Read on to discover a variety of fun, educational experiences. Learn about Black History and Atlanta’s legacy of Civil Rights with ideas for kids, families, couples, corporate teams, and more!
Activities for Black History Month Atlanta 2023:
Read on for more details on these activities and more.
- Take a walking history tour with Unexpected Atlanta
- Attend the Black History Month Parade
- Visit the New Black Wall Street Market
- Attend free events at the Atlanta History Center
- Check out exhibits at the APEX Museum and National Center for Civil & Human Rights
- Plan a day trip to Montgomery, AL
- Host a Black History Month virtual group experience
In this post, you’ll find:
- Black History Month Atlanta activities and experiences
- Museums devoted to Black History in Atlanta
- Activities to understand Atlanta’s Civil Rights movement
- Family-friendly Black History Month Atlanta activities
- Black History Mont activities for corporate teams and field trips
1. Take a Walking Tour of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic District
Honor Black History Month by learning the story of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life. During this 1.7 mile walking tour, you’ll get an up-close look at the places that inspired MLK’s life and legacy. Additionally, your tour will be led by an expert guide who can answer questions and take you deeper into the history of MLK’s life.
On our Martin Luther King, Jr Atlanta History Tour, you’ll:
- Visit Dr. King’s birth home
- See Dr. and Mrs. King’s memorials
- Hear immersive stories of Dr. King and other Civil Rights leaders
- Stop by the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church (when open)
- See Dr. King’s office in the Prince Hall Grand Lodge
- Take in amazing views of the Atlanta skyline on the Jackson Street Bridge
This tour was named by Conde Nast as one of the 16 Best Things to Do in Atlanta! Learn more and book your Martin Luther King, Jr. Atlanta History Tour.
Learn more about the MLK, Jr. experience with Unexpected Atlanta and book your team’s spot. Reach out below for details:
2. Attend the Black History Month Atlanta Parade – FREE Black History Month Atlanta Idea
Be a part of the largest Black History Month celebration in the Southeast! Head to the Historic Sweet Auburn District in Downtown Atlanta for a day filled with fun and fanfare.
Details will be announced soon for 2023. In past years, the parade has included marching bands, floats, drum lines from historically Black colleges, and much more.
Keep an eye out on the Black History Month Parade website for more information!
Icing on the Cake, owned by Sal Bando and his wife, Kezmit Columbus, at the New Black Wall Street Market
3. Shop at the New Black Wall Street Market
Opened in November 2021, the New Black Wall Street Market is located in Stonecrest, 20 minutes east of Downtown Atlanta. Here, you’ll find 100+ shops and restaurants to explore. Shop everything from retail, gourmet groceries, and fine dining to entertainment and family fun.
The Market’s mission is to increase the number of minority and women-owned businesses while fostering operational excellence. All are welcome to visit, shop, support their mission, and enjoy!
Check out the New Black Wall Street Market and plan your visit. You can even shop online!
4. Walk the Grounds of South-View Cemetery – FREE Black History Month Atlanta Idea
Located 15 minutes south of Downtown Atlanta, South-View Cemetery is the oldest African-American “non eleemosynary” (charitable) corporation in the country. South-View is also the resting place for more than 80,000 African Americans.
Many of the Black people buried at South-View have made significant contributions to American history and the struggle for freedom and peace. They include scholars, entrepreneurs, pastors, professors, military heroes, musicians, athletes, and Civil Rights activists. In fact, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was laid to rest at South-View before being moved to the Martin Luther King Center.
South-View welcomes members of the public to take a respectful self-guided tour of the cemetery; gates are open daily from 9-5.
View more details and plan your self-guided tour of South-View Cemetery.
5. Learn About African American History at the APEX Museum
Located in the historic Auburn Ave area of Downtown Atlanta, the APEX Museum interprets and presents history from an African American perspective. As a result, their goal is to help visitors understand and appreciate the many significant contributions of African American people to the United States and the world.
Founded in 1978, the APEX Museum is the oldest Black history museum in Atlanta. Rotating quarterly exhibits give visitors a reason to return time and time again to learn something new.
Plan your experience at the APEX Museum.
6. Celebrate Black History Month at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Take the kiddos to the Children’s Museum of Atlanta for kid-friendly Black History Month activities!
The museum shares that visitors can “stop by the Science Bar, Art Studio, Jane’s Innovation Station, and the CMA Stage where we’ll highlight African American leaders in science, art, and innovation!”
With interactive story times, art projects, and hands-on learning activities, little ones will love learning all about this important occasion.
Check out the Black History Month programs at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta.
7. Visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park – FREE Black History Month Atlanta Idea
This Black History Month, take a self-guided tour of the MLK National Historic Park in Downtown Atlanta. This site is operated by the National Park Service.
Here, you can pay your respects at the tombs of Dr. and Mrs. King. This site is a peaceful place to honor their incredible legacy and work. In front of the tombs, an eternal flame signifies the continued work to fulfill Dr. King’s dreams of justice, peace and equality.
Additionally, you can see the “I Have a Dream” World Peace Rose Garden. This scenic garden was planted in 1992 as a legacy to Dr. Martin Luther King’s life and vision.
Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome on the outdoor grounds. You can even have a respectful picnic on the site’s grounds and discuss what you learned during your visit.
Plan your visit to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park. Alternatively, you can get a guided tour with an expert guide by signing up for our Martin Luther King, Jr. Atlanta History Tour.
8. Support a Black-Owned Restaurant
Atlanta has no shortage of Black-owned restaurants to support this Black History Month. This February, try committing to only eating at Black-owned restaurants! Or, challenge yourself to support one Black-owned restaurant during each week of the month.
This challenge is one that you can take on by yourself, with your family, or even with your coworkers. To make it easier, use the Black & Mobile app. Available for iOS and Android, this app is the first Black-owned food delivery service that exclusively partners with Black-owned restaurants.
While the app was launched in Philadelphia, it serves people in 4 cities, including Atlanta.
Looking for more Black-owned restaurant ideas? Check out the Atlanta Eats guide to 50 Outstanding Black-Owned Restaurants in Atlanta.
9. Visit the National Center for Civil & Human Rights
This Downtown Atlanta museum is a can’t-miss spot for Black History Month – and for learning about Civil Rights in general. In fact, the entire first floor of the Center is devoted to Dr. King’s life and message.
The museum’s “Voice to the Voiceless” gallery showcases historic items from the Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection. Additionally, you can view the large-scale art installation, “FRAGMENTS,” featuring Dr. King’s distinctive handwriting, etched in metal and illuminated.
At the Lunch Counter Sit-In, visitors can learn about non-violent protests. Then, participate in a lunch counter sit-in simulation. During this experience, you can place yourself in the shoes of non-violent protestors in 1960.
The Center also offers rotating exhibits and special events. Plan your visit to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and browse more things to do in Downtown Atlanta while you’re there.
10. Take a Day Trip to Montgomery, AL
Located around 2 hours and 20 minutes west of Atlanta, Montgomery, AL is an incredible place to learn about Black History. In fact, this capital city proclaims itself as the birthplace of the Civil Rights movement. Take a day trip or weekend trip to learn why.
In Montgomery, you can visit historic spots such as:
- Rosa Parks Library and Museum, chronicling Parks’ life and legacy
- Rosa Parks statue, located where Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat
- Montgomery Civil Rights Memorial, operated by the Southern Poverty Law Center
- Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, where Dr. King preached
- The Legacy Museum, which educates visitors about social injustice and slavery
View a detailed list of Black History Month sites to visit in Montgomery, AL.
11. Go Virtual: Black History Month Team Building Experience
Join our sister company, Unexpected Virtual Tours, for a virtual group experience to learn about Black History.
During your session, a live guide will walk your team through this interactive experience. Participants can join from anywhere – perfect for remote, hybrid, and global teams.
An on-site guide will walk your group through some of America’s most important neighborhoods for Black history. Additionally, we’ll allow plenty of time for facilitated small group discussions and creative storytelling.
Past companies we’ve had the pleasure of providing virtual team building experiences for include The Coca-Cola Company, The Home Depot, Google, UPS, Salesforce, IHG, and many more.
Sign up for your Black History Month Virtual Team Building in a Box event!
12. See John Lewis Statues, Murals, & Memorials Around Atlanta
Pay homage to the memory of Civil Rights hero and Congressman John Lewis at these spots around Atlanta.
Throughout his life, Lewis led protests like the Selma to Montgomery bus marches, the 1963 March on Washington, and so many others. He also created meaningful change during his time in Congress, from 1987 until his passing in 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions About Black History Month
What is Black History Month?
Black History Month is a time to honor the history and achievements of Black people. At the same time, this is an occasion to continue working toward equity and shining a light on social injustices. As a result, Black History Month is the perfect time to learn more about Atlanta’s rich history and role in the fight for Civil Rights.
When is Black History Month 2023?
Black History Month is in February 2023 in the United States and Canada. Additionally, some people in Ireland and the UK honor Black History Month during the month of October.
Where is Black History Month observed?
Black History Month has been officially recognized by the United States and Canadian governments for the month of February. Additionally, Black History Month has been recently observed in October by people in Ireland as well as the UK.
When Did Black History Month Begin?
Black History Month officially started in 1976. At that time, President Gerald Ford recognized the occasion during the U.S. Bicentennial celebration. However, the movement to honor Black History Month began much earlier.
In fact, the precursor to Black History Month began in 1926. Called “Negro History Week,” this remembrance was held during the second week of February. The week was declared by historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History.
Celebrating in February was a nod to both Abraham Lincoln (born on February 12) and Frederick Douglass (born on February 14). During the following decades, Negro History Week gained popularity. Then, in 1976, Black History Month officially began.
Who started Black History Month?
In February 1969, Black educators and the Black United Students at Kent State University proposed the idea of Black History Month. After a short while, the idea took hold on other college campuses and community centers.
When President Ford proclaimed Black History Month in 1976, he urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
More Inspiration for Black History Month in Atlanta
In this 3-minute video, you’ll get a look at some of the places and events mentioned throughout this blog post! Take a peek at the APEX Museum, the starting point of the Black History Month Parade, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park.
However you celebrate Black History Month this year, we wish you a month of learning, growth, reflection, and meaning.
