As the birthplace of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a stronghold of the Civil Rights Movement, and the home of the late Congressman John Lewis—not to mention the scores of historic sites and personal accounts of black history on nearly every corner—Atlanta’s an awesome spot to be during Black History Month. Keep reading for our favorite ways to celebrate, honor and learn with your kids, below.
Shop 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.
8109 Mall Pkwy.
Stonecrest
Online: newblackwallstreet.co
Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
African American Burial Ground Tours at Historic Oakland Cemetery
Throughout February, Historic Oakland Foundation hosts free guided walking tours of Oakland Cemetery’s historic African American Burial Grounds, with stops at the final resting places of a few Atlanta pioneers, including Carrie Steele Logan, founder of Atlanta’s first orphanage for African American children; William Finch, one of Atlanta’s first African American city councilmen; Bishop Wesley John Gaines and Julia A. Gaines, pastor and First Lady of Big Bethel A.M.E. Church; and Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first African American mayor. While the tour is free, donations are greatly appreciated. Registration is required. Here's the scoop.
248 Oakland Ave, SE
Atlanta, GA
404-688-2107
Online: oaklandcemetery.com
Hours: Feb. 6, 10, 15, 19, 20, 26 at 1 p.m.
Admission: Free
Visit the ELDER Project at Freedom Park
Designated as Atlanta’s Art Park by the city of Atlanta, Freedom Park's ELDER Project honors the trees and the people that make up the community surrounding the David T. Howard School. The school is important in Atlanta history as a reflection of the Old 4th Ward neighborhood, with graduates including Martin Luther King, Jr, Walt Clyde Frazier, Maynard Jackson, Lonnie King and many notable others. Since the closure of David T. Howard High School in 1976, the alumni have acted with pride and passion to preserve the legacy of this school and its place in the community. Find out more here.
Moreland Ave. NE & North Ave. NE
Atlanta, GA
404-480-3018
Online: freedompark.org
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset daily
Admission: Free, but registration is required
2022 Black History Month Parade
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 2022. In past years, the parade has included marching bands, floats, drum lines from historically Black colleges, and much more.
Hours: TBD for 2022
Cost: Free
City of Roswell Celebrates Black History with Exhibits & More
Celebrate Black History Month throughout February in Roswell. You'll find an abstract exhibit at Roswell Cultural Arts Center, a student art exhibit at Roswell City Hall, a quilting exhibit in remembrance of lives lost at the River Landing, a virtual black history student brain bowl, a Super Sunday at 3 museums on Feb. 6, a Black History 101 mobile museum on Feb. 12 at the Bill Johnson Community Building, and an African-American Inventors exhibit at Mimosa Hall. Here's what you need to know.
Roswell, GA
Online: roswellgov.com
Hours: Multiple dates and times; see website for specifics
Admission: Free
Visit The National Center for Civil & Human Rights
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights believes in justice and dignity for all, and the power of people to make this idea real. They inspire visitors with immersive exhibitions, dynamic events and conversations, and engagement and education/training programs. Be sure to download their “Across Generations” intergenerational conversation starter for you to use on your visit.
100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. NW
Atlanta, GA
Online: civilandhumanrights.org
Hours: Thurs., Fri., & Sun. 12–5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: $16 per person
Visit the MLK National Historical Park
What do you know about the Civil Rights Movement? Learn something new about the people from the past—famous and not so famous— who played a part in the movement. The Visitor Center, Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Freedom Hall are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The Birth Home is open for ranger-led tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Fire Station No. 6 is staffed by park volunteers and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. when volunteers are available. All sites are free to the public.
450 Auburn Ave., NE
Atlanta, Ga
404-331-5190
Online: nps.gov
Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Note: In accordance with guidance from the CDC and recommendations from public health authorities, all buildings within the park are temporarily closed. Visitors are welcomed to park and take a self-guided tour of our campus until further notice. Click here for more details.
Admission: Free
Celebrate Black History Month at The Children's Museum
Celebrate Black History Month with the Children's Museum of Atlanta. During your visit, stop by the Stage, Science Bar, and Creativity Café to learn about prominent African Americans in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and art. You'll find interactive story times, hands-on activities, and exciting experiments all month long.
275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW
Atlanta, GA
404-659-5437
Online: childrensmuseumatlanta.org
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily, closed Wed.
Admission: $18 per person over age 1
Featured photo via iStock
—Shelley Massey
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