Road trips are more than just a way to get from one place to another; they’re opportunities to learn, connect, and reflect. As we prepare for our journey from Anniston, Alabama, to New Rochelle, New York, we want to take time to explore the rich Black history in the cities we’ll pass through. This blog outlines these cities, highlights their significance in Black history, and shares discussion questions to spark meaningful conversations along the way.

Our journey is deeply personal. Reinaldo, my husband, is an Afro-Latino author, pastor, and educator from Panama, whose perspective as a migrant brings unique meaning to this exploration. Together, we share a passion for uncovering stories of the African diaspora, and this trip allows us to weave together our collective pasts with the present.

Anniston, Alabama

The Anniston Civil Rights Trail in Anniston, Alabama, commemorates significant events and locations from the Civil Rights Movement, particularly focusing on the Freedom Riders of 1961. Established in 2010, the trail features several key sites that highlight the city's civil rights history.

Key Sites on the Anniston Civil Rights Trail:

• Freedom Riders National Monument: This monument includes two primary locations:

  • Former Greyhound Bus Station (1031 Gurnee Avenue): On May 14, 1961, an integrated group of Freedom Riders was attacked by a mob at this station. The building now features a mural and educational panels detailing the incident.

  • Site of the Bus Burning (Old Birmingham Highway/State Route 202): After departing the bus station, the Freedom Riders' bus was pursued and firebombed by a mob approximately six miles outside Anniston. An Alabama Historical Marker denotes this location, and plans are underway to develop a memorial park at the site.

• Trailways Bus Station: Another significant location where Freedom Riders faced hostility. The station is part of the trail and is marked to educate visitors about the events that took place there.

Visitors to the Anniston Civil Rights Trail can explore these sites to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and acts of bravery that occurred during the Civil Rights Movement in Anniston. The trail serves as an educational resource and a tribute to those who fought for equality and justice.

For more detailed information and to plan a visit, you can refer to the National Park Service's guide on Anniston's civil rights history.

Atlanta, Georgia (approx. 2.5 hours from Anniston)

• Black History Significance: Atlanta is the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and home to several key sites, including the King Center and Ebenezer Baptist Church. The city is also a hub for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), such as Spelman and Morehouse.

• Green Book Sites: Paschal’s Restaurant and Hotel, a notable Green Book listing, was a meeting spot for civil rights leaders.

• Green Book Connection: The A.G. Gaston Motel was a refuge for civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Charlotte, North Carolina (approx. 4.5 hours from Atlanta)

Charlotte, North Carolina, has a rich and complex Black history that has significantly influenced the city's development. From the post-Civil War era to the present day, African American communities have played pivotal roles in shaping Charlotte's cultural, economic, and social landscapes.

Post-Civil War and Early 20th Century:

Following the Civil War, formerly enslaved individuals established communities in and around Charlotte. One notable area was Brooklyn in the Second Ward, which became a vibrant Black neighborhood with businesses, churches, and schools. However, during the 1960s, urban renewal projects led to the demolition of Brooklyn, displacing many residents and erasing a significant cultural hub.

Another historic neighborhood is Grier Heights, founded in the late 19th century by Sam Billings, a former slave who purchased 100 acres of land. Grier Heights became a thriving Black community, home to prominent figures such as Arthur Samuel Grier, a funeral home director, and James McVay, founder of Antioch Baptist Church.

Civil Rights Movement:

Charlotte played a significant role during the Civil Rights Movement. In 1963, local activist Reginald Hawkins led efforts to desegregate public spaces, resulting in the integration of restaurants and movie theaters a year before the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Cultural Institutions:

The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture stands as a testament to the city's commitment to preserving and celebrating Black heritage. Established in 2009 and named after Charlotte's first Black mayor, the center showcases African American art, history, and culture.

Educational Resources:

For those interested in delving deeper into Charlotte's Black history, several resources and institutions offer comprehensive insights:

• Legacy: Three Centuries of Black History in Charlotte, North Carolina: Authored by Pamela Grundy, this book provides an in-depth look into the lives and contributions of African Americans in Charlotte over the past 300 years.

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission: Offers detailed accounts of African American history in the region, highlighting significant events and figures.

• Grier Heights Community Center: Provides historical context and current initiatives within the Grier Heights neighborhood.

Richmond, Virginia (approx. 4.5 hours from Charlotte)

Richmond, Virginia, holds profound significance in Black history, reflecting both the struggles and triumphs of African Americans over centuries. Once the capital of the Confederacy, Richmond has transformed into a city that prominently showcases African-American history, offering numerous sites that tell powerful and evocative stories.

• Black History Significance

  Richmond’s role in the transatlantic slave trade and the Civil War places it at the heart of America’s history of slavery and emancipation. The city is home to the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, which preserves and highlights the contributions of African Americans in shaping Virginia’s culture and history. Another notable site is the Richmond Slave Trail, a 2.5-mile walking trail that traces the routes enslaved people took during the domestic slave trade. This trail provides insight into Richmond’s role as a major slave-trading hub and reflects the resilience of those who endured this inhuman system.

  The Civil Rights Movement

  Richmond played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, with the local community actively challenging segregation. Institutions like Virginia Union University, a historically Black university founded in 1865, became a hub for activism and education. Landmark legal battles, such as the fight to desegregate schools, also left a lasting impact on the city’s progress toward equality.

  Green Book Sites

  During segregation, the Hippodrome Theater, located in the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood, served as a vibrant venue for Black audiences and performers. Listed in the Green Book, the Hippodrome provided safe entertainment and hosted legendary figures such as Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday. Jackson Ward, known as the “Harlem of the South,” became a cultural and economic center for African Americans, featuring businesses, theaters, and institutions owned and operated by Black leaders.

  Cultural Legacy

  Today, Richmond continues to honor its African-American heritage through sites like the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, which celebrates the first African American woman to charter a bank, and Monument Avenue, now home to a reimagined landscape that reflects inclusive narratives. Efforts to memorialize African American contributions highlight the city’s ongoing journey toward reconciliation and remembrance.

  Richmond’s Black history is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and leadership of its African-American community, offering a powerful reminder of both the painful past and the strides toward a more equitable future.

Washington, D.C. (approx. 2 hours from Richmond)

Washington, D.C., holds a central place in Black history, serving as a beacon of African-American culture, politics, and social progress. From its early days as a city with a significant population of both enslaved and free African Americans to its current role as a hub for Black excellence, D.C. reflects the rich tapestry of Black heritage in the United States.

Historical Significance

During the 19th century, D.C. was home to one of the largest communities of free African Americans. The city became a focal point for abolitionist efforts, particularly following the abolition of slavery in the District in 1862—nine months before the Emancipation Proclamation. Places like the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Anacostia honor the legacy of leaders who fought for freedom and justice.

Civil Rights and Political Power

The Civil Rights Movement brought major change to D.C., with protests and marches, including the iconic 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Over time, the city became known as “Chocolate City,” reflecting its predominantly Black population and culture. Leaders like Marion Barry, the city’s former mayor, symbolized the rise of Black political power in the nation’s capital.

Cultural Legacy

Washington, D.C., is also a cultural epicenter for African Americans. The Howard Theatre and U Street Corridor became key venues for Black music, hosting legends like Duke Ellington, a D.C. native, and Ella Fitzgerald. Howard University, a historically Black institution founded in 1867, continues to shape future generations of African-American leaders and scholars.

The Story of The Butler

One of D.C.’s notable African-American figures is Eugene Allen, the real-life inspiration for the 2013 film The Butler. Allen worked as a butler at the White House for 34 years, serving eight U.S. presidents. His story highlights the perseverance and quiet dignity of many African Americans who contributed to the nation's progress while enduring systemic racism. Allen’s life spanned the Jim Crow era, the Civil Rights Movement, and the election of the first Black president, Barack Obama, reflecting the transformative arc of Black history in America.

Landmarks of Black History

• Washington, D.C., is rich in landmarks that celebrate African-American heritage, including:

  • The National Museum of African American History and Culture, a Smithsonian museum that tells the sweeping story of Black life in America.

  • The African American Civil War Memorial and Museum, which honors the contributions of the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War.

  • The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, commemorating the life and legacy of the civil rights leader.

  D.C.’s Black history is deeply interwoven with the nation’s broader struggles for equality, justice, and representation, making it a city where African-American stories are preserved and celebrated.

Baltimore, Maryland (approx. 1 hour from Washington, D.C.)

Baltimore, Maryland, has a rich and dynamic Black history that reflects the resilience, creativity, and determination of African Americans. From its early days as a port city where enslaved and free Black communities lived side by side to its central role in the Civil Rights Movement, Baltimore’s Black history is woven into the fabric of the city.

Early History

Baltimore was home to one of the largest populations of free African Americans in the United States during the early 19th century. These communities thrived despite the challenges of systemic racism, establishing churches, schools, and businesses. Notable figures like Frederick Douglass, who escaped from slavery and became a leading abolitionist, spent formative years in Baltimore. His time working in the shipyards of Fells Point shaped his early views on freedom and justice.

Education and Community Building

Baltimore’s Black residents prioritized education and self-reliance, founding institutions such as Morgan State University (originally established in 1867) and Coppin State University. Both schools have played critical roles in educating generations of African Americans and fostering Black leadership.

Civil Rights and Social Justice

Baltimore was a key site during the Civil Rights Movement, with activists organizing sit-ins, protests, and boycotts to fight segregation and inequality. Leaders like Gloria Richardson and Lillie Carroll Jackson were instrumental in advancing civil rights in the city and beyond. The NAACP, headquartered in nearby Baltimore County, became a national force for change during this period.

Cultural Contributions

Baltimore has long been a center of Black culture, particularly in the arts. The city is known for its contributions to jazz, with artists such as Billie Holiday and Cab Calloway hailing from Baltimore. The Arch Social Club, established in 1905, remains a historic institution for Black social and cultural life.

Black Landmarks and Legacy

• Today, Baltimore honors its Black history through numerous sites and institutions:

  • The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture celebrates the contributions of African Americans to Maryland’s history.

  • The Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park highlights the contributions of African Americans to Baltimore’s maritime industry.

  • The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum tells the stories of notable Black figures through lifelike wax sculptures.

  Modern-Day Reflections

  Baltimore remains a city of profound significance in Black history, with ongoing efforts to address racial disparities while celebrating African-American achievements. Communities across the city continue to embody the spirit of resilience and innovation that has defined Baltimore’s Black history for generations.

  Baltimore’s Black history is a testament to the power of community, education, and activism, underscoring the city’s pivotal role in the broader narrative of African-American history in the United States.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (approx. 2 hours from Baltimore)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a city steeped in Black history, playing a pivotal role in the fight for freedom, equality, and cultural expression. From its early days as a haven for free African Americans to its prominence in the Civil Rights Movement, Philadelphia reflects the enduring contributions and resilience of the Black community.

Early History and Abolitionism

Philadelphia was a major center for abolitionist activity in the 18th and 19th centuries. The city’s free Black population grew significantly, making it one of the largest in the country. Leaders like Richard Allen founded institutions such as the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1816, the first independent Black denomination in the U.S., and the Free African Society, an early mutual aid organization. Philadelphia also served as a critical stop on the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved people escape to freedom.

Education and Culture

Philadelphia’s Black residents prioritized education and cultural development. Institutions like the Institute for Colored Youth, which later became Cheyney University (the oldest historically Black college in the U.S.), were established to promote education and opportunity. The city also became a hub for Black artistic expression, contributing to the Harlem Renaissance and subsequent cultural movements.

Civil Rights Era

During the Civil Rights Movement, Philadelphia was a site of activism and change. Leaders and organizations fought against housing discrimination, segregation, and police brutality, while advocating for voting rights and economic equality. The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and local NAACP chapters played crucial roles in advancing these causes.

Cultural Institutions

Today, Philadelphia honors its Black history through numerous landmarks and museums, including:

• The African American Museum in Philadelphia, which highlights key moments in Black history and showcases the contributions of African Americans to the city and beyond.

• The Mother Bethel AME Church, the oldest property continuously owned by African Americans, which remains a spiritual and cultural cornerstone.

• The Johnson House Historic Site, a preserved Underground Railroad station that tells the stories of those who fought for freedom.

Green Book Sites

Philadelphia was home to numerous Green Book locations, providing safe spaces for African Americans during segregation. These included hotels, restaurants, and theaters where Black travelers could find refuge. The legacy of these sites is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Black community in navigating systemic racism.

Legacy and Impact

Philadelphia’s Black history is integral to the city’s identity, influencing its politics, culture, and social fabric. The city continues to celebrate the achievements of African Americans while addressing challenges rooted in its complex history.

Philadelphia’s Black heritage is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the unyielding fight for justice, making it a cornerstone of African-American history in the United States.

Newark, New Jersey (approx. 1.5 hours from Philadelphia)

Newark, New Jersey, has a rich and deeply significant Black history that reflects the broader struggles and achievements of African Americans in urban America. From early migration and community-building to its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and cultural contributions, Newark’s Black history is a testament to resilience, activism, and creativity.

Early History and Migration

Newark's Black population grew significantly during the Great Migration of the early 20th century, as African Americans moved north seeking better opportunities and fleeing the racial violence of the South. This migration brought a vibrant cultural and social dynamic to the city, with the establishment of churches, businesses, and civic organizations that served the growing Black community.

Civil Rights and Social Change

The 1960s were a transformative period for Newark's Black community, marked by activism and unrest. The Newark Rebellion of 1967, sparked by systemic racism, police brutality, and economic inequality, became a defining moment in the city’s history. It highlighted longstanding injustices and catalyzed efforts for political representation and social reform. In 1970, Newark elected its first Black mayor, Kenneth A. Gibson, who became a symbol of progress and empowerment.

Education and Activism

Newark has a history of educational advocacy, with figures like Dr. Clement Price working to preserve and promote Black history in academia and public life. The city’s schools have often been a battleground for equity and representation, with ongoing efforts to address disparities and empower Black students.

Cultural Contributions

Newark has been a center of Black cultural expression, particularly in music, literature, and the arts. Jazz and gospel thrived in Newark, with artists such as Sarah Vaughan, a Newark native, gaining international acclaim. The city also played a role in the development of hip-hop and spoken word, with cultural institutions fostering the talents of Black artists and writers.

• Institutions and Landmarks

  • The Newark Museum of Art features exhibits that highlight African-American artists and their contributions to the arts.

  • The Newark Public Library houses significant collections related to Black history and culture.

  • Community organizations like the New Jersey Performing Arts Center celebrate the achievements of Black creatives and provide spaces for dialogue and performance.

  • Modern Reflections

  Today, Newark continues to celebrate its Black heritage while addressing challenges like economic inequality and gentrification. Grassroots organizations and community leaders work to preserve the city’s history and ensure opportunities for future generations.

  Newark’s Black history is a story of perseverance, activism, and cultural vibrancy, shaping the city into a beacon of African-American resilience and creativity.

New Rochelle, New York (approx. 30 minutes from Newark)

New Rochelle, New York has a long history of Black residents and contributions, including:

• Early Black communities

  New Rochelle had one of the first free Black communities in the country before the Revolutionary War. In 1698, 14% of the city's population was Black. 

• Underground Railroad

  A house on Long Island Sound with secret tunnels and attic passages is thought to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad. Joseph Carpenter, an abolitionist, played a key role in the Underground Railroad. 

• Lincoln Avenue Corridor

  This area was a center of African American life in New Rochelle, with a commercial corridor, residential streets, and Lincoln Elementary School. 

• Notable Black residents

  Many prominent African Americans have lived in New Rochelle, including Whitney Young, Jr., Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Branford Marsalis, John Woodruff, and Lou Jones. 

• Anna Jones

  In 1923, Anna Jones became the first African American woman admitted to the New York State Bar. 

• Yadira Ramos-Herbert

  Yadira Ramos-Herbert became New Rochelle's first Black mayor. 

• Black History Month

  New Rochelle celebrates Black History Month with a ceremonial gala to honor the African American community's contributions to the city.

New York City: A New Destination with Layers of History

Once in New Rochelle, Reinaldo and I will drive to New York City to visit the Statue of Liberty. For Reinaldo, this monument holds deep personal significance as a symbol of hope and inclusion for immigrants, a promise that seems increasingly out of reach today.

While in NYC, we plan to delve into its deep-rooted Black history.

• Statue of Liberty’s Connection to Black History: The original concept of the statue featured broken chains at its feet, symbolizing the abolition of slavery. Although largely hidden today, this imagery ties Lady Liberty to emancipation and the broader fight for freedom.

• Civil Rights Trail in NYC: Explore sites like the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, a hub of activism and spiritual leadership, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, a treasure trove of African-American heritage.

• Cool Facts About NYC and Black History:

  • The Harlem Renaissance made the city a beacon of Black cultural expression in the 1920s.

  • NYC was a critical stop on the Underground Railroad.

• Not-so-Cool Facts:

  • Urban renewal projects in the 20th century displaced many Black communities.

  • Systemic racism and housing segregation left lasting scars on neighborhoods like Harlem and the Bronx.

Final Reflections

This road trip is not just a passage through cities but through the layers of history that connect us. By exploring Black history in these destinations, we hope to honor the courage, creativity, and resilience of those who came before us—and carry their stories forward.