Where better to celebrate the history, culture and accomplishments of African-Americans than Atlanta? Home to many historic attractions, our city was the stomping ground for civil rights activists and leaders, among other unsung black heroes. Whether you are looking for a way to spend your weekend exploring Atlanta, or a good book to read on a rainy day, our city offers numerous ways to celebrate Black History Month.
Sites and scenes
The historic heart of black Atlanta is the Sweet Auburn District, home of The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site. Established in 1980, the site consists of Dr. King’s birthplace, the original Ebenezer Baptist Church (where three generations of the King family preached), the “I Have a Dream” International World Peace Garden, and the burial site of Dr. King and his wife, Coretta Scott King. Another point of interest is the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame, where visitors can literally walk in the footsteps of civil rights leaders like Rosa Parks and President Jimmy Carter. Admission and parking are free. Open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily; 450 Auburn Ave.; 404-331-6922; nps.gov/malu/index.htm
Also located in the Sweet Auburn District is the APEX Museum, The African American Panoramic Experience. The museum’s purpose is to interpret and present history from an African-American perspective, celebrating the often untold history of black Americans. Galleries include a replica of the Yates & Milton Drug Store, the Hall of Achievement and an exhibit on black inventors. Admission is $4 for adults; $3 students and seniors (55+). Open Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; 135 Auburn Ave.; 404-521-2739; apexmuseum.org
Moving cross-town to the West End, the Hammonds House Museum is the only art museum that focuses on artists of African descent. The collection features more than 350 works of art, dating from the mid-19th century. The collection includes Haitian paintings, African sculptures and masks. Admission is $4 for adults; $2 for children, students and seniors. Open Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sat.-Sun. 1-5 p.m.; 503 Peeples St.; 404-612-0500; hammondshouse.org
The Wren’s Nest was the home of Joel Chandler Harris from 1881 until 1908, and opened as a house museum in 1913. Harris, a former associate editor of the Atlanta Constitution and voice of “the New South,” was best known for publishing stories that reflected the oral traditions and folklore of slaves working on pre-Civil War plantations in middle Georgia. His Brer Rabbit tales were first published in 1876, have been translated into hundreds of languages and have never gone out of print. The Wren’s Nest seeks to honor African American heritage and folklore through storytelling. Admission is $8 for adults; $7 seniors and students; $5 children. Open Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., with storytelling every Sat. at 1 p.m., 1050 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.; 404-753-7735; wrensnestonline.com
Food that’s soul good
Atlanta is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after culinary destinations in the nation. Here are some of Atlanta’s famous soul food eateries:
The concept of serving fried chicken and waffles together began in Harlem during the 1930s, when late night guests couldn’t decide between having breakfast or dinner. The best place to try this strange, yet delicious, combination of salty and syrupy is at Gladys Knight and Ron Winans’ Chicken and Waffles, which has a music-themed menu. Open Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-4 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; 529 Peachtree St. NW; 404-874-9393; gladysandron.net
In 1947, brothers James and Robert Paschal opened Paschal’s Restaurant — one of the first African American-owned restaurants in the city. It was a popular meeting place for civil rights leadership and its reputation for great food has attracted luminaries such as Aretha Franklin and Dizzy Gillespie. Even though it’s not in the original location, the menu still features its authentic Southern-fried chicken as well as steak and seafood. A second location is at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Open Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.;180-B Northside Drive; 404-525-2023; paschalsatlanta.com
Located in the Sweet Auburn District, Negril Caribbean Café offers a casual dining experience with a menu featuring Jamaican and Caribbean cuisines. Open Mon.-Thu. 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Fri. 11:30 p.m, -10 p.m., Sat. 12:30 -10 p.m, Sun. 1 -7 p.m.; 180 Auburn Avenue; 678-974-5549; negrilatlanta.com
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Taylor Dahl freelances for several lifestyle and entertainment publications, and also works for a successful marketing company in Atlanta. She lives in the city with her dog, Lucy.
