Black Lives Matter Part 3: Black History Entertainment Travel

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts”- Mark Twain

The historical and cultural legacy of African-Americans is often overlooked by much of the country. Traveling through the United States, there are hundreds of locations where vacationers can learn about African-American heritage. Being that some of the most notable writers, musicians, actors and actresses, writers and politicians were African-Americans born in the U.S, learning about their contributions to their entertainment industry throughout your travel is an absolute must. Historical traces of these famous men, women, and children can be found in just about every one the 50 U.S States. In fact, there is probably an abundance of historical destinations within driving distance of your home. If you are planning on driving between destinations, you can even check out our ultimate RV travel guide to help plan your trip. Read on to learn about supporting the Black Lives Matter movement through travel.

Soul Food In New Orleans

Head to New Orleans for some good food. You can find some of the best restaurants in New Orleans for soul food. You will find traditional Creole specialties at Dooky Chase’s. Dooky Chase’s Chef, Leah Chase, has been presiding over the kitchen for over sixty years. She specifies her cooking style to be Creole-soul, not to be confused with the famous Creole-French found throughout much of New Orleans. The famous Ray Charles had songs where he sang about Chase’s food. Even more, famous individuals like Thurgood Marshall and Louis Armstrong had their favorite orders there. An absolute must on your visit to New Orleans Louisiana.

Another great option is Willie Mae’s Scotch House for fried chicken and soul food. Willie Mae’s is famous for their crisp, tightly battered, and juicy fried chicken offerings. For some other famous soul food destinations in NOLA, consider making a stop at Roosevelt’s Black Pearl, Two Sisters in Da East, and Li’l Dizzy’s Café.

More Presidential History

Want some modern quirky Black History? Go to the Hyde Park neighborhood in Chicago and see where the Obama’s lived at 5046 S Greenwood Ave. Visit the exact spot where they had their first kiss while having ice cream in the summer of 1989 in front of the Baskin-Robbins which is now a Subway restaurant at 53rd and S Dorchester. Look for the commemorative plaque on the rock there. Don’t miss where the first Black President Barack Obama got his regular haircut from Zariff, his favorite barber for 20 years, at the Hyde Park Hair Salon for $21. The chair he used to sit in is now preserved there in plexiglass.

Famous Historical Figures

Not all black history is heavy and serious stuff. See The Jackson 5 family home in Gary, Indiana. You will see a two bedroom house for the entire family of two parents and nine kids. Not sure how they pulled that off! No wonder why they needed to get out of the house to perform. This family produced one of the greatest entertainers we have ever seen. Gary is only an hour from Chicago. Gary is easy to get around too, making it the perfect destination for your solo travel experiences.

Outside the Jackson family home.

African American Sports History

Go see the amazing dedication to the greatest basketball player of all time, The Michael Jordan Sculpture in Chicago which is now housed inside the United Center.

Want to learn all about the all but forgotten Negro Leagues? Go learn the history at The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in downtown Kansas City. Most of these players were good enough for the Major Leagues but were shut out until Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947. Head over to Jones BBQ for a meal. The Jones sisters still carry on their father’s legacy of smoking meats and making their family’s secret BBQ sauce from scratch daily at their restaurant in Kansas City.

Entertainment & Music History

In front of the Motown Studios/Museum

The Motown Museum in Detroit takes you through the history of the Motown Sound, by black artists like Steveland Morris (Stevie Wonder), Smokey Robinson, The Supremes and The Four Tops. The Motown Sound changed the world in the 1960’s until today. They had over 180 #1 hits! Founder Berry Gordy started Motown with a $ 800 loan from his family. On your visit to the Motor City, there are dozens of additional iconic cultural tourist attractions in Detroit Michigan.

This is the recording studio where all the Motown magic happened.

Run to the STAX Museum in Memphis. This is one fun place! Dancing is allowed in this museum while you are experiencing the “Memphis Sound” of the early 1960’s. Before I went there I had never heard of STAX but now listen to the music all the time. Listen to the music of Carla Thomas, Sam and Dave, Booker T and the MG’s, and of course, Otis Redding. Otis, age 26, died in a plane crash soon after he finished recording “Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay”.

One of the major cities to learn about African-Americans’ contributions to the music and entertainment industry, you need to visit Minneapolis. Minneapolis was changed forever by hometown child Prince Rogers Nelson.

He was born and raised here and his music left an imprint everywhere in this city and around the world. Visit Paisley Park which is 30 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. Stop by the downtown First Avenue club where many scenes of the 1984 Purple Rain were filmed.

Reading Some Of The Tributes Left At First Avenue Night Club.

The Harlem Renaissance

Perhaps the most important period of cultural exploration was the Harlem Renaissance. Beginning in the 1920s, there was an explosion of poetry, fiction, music, theater and visual art which sought to define and express black identity.

See a show at the well-known Apollo Theatre in NY. It is located in the heart of Harlem, at 253 West 125th St. It has played a major role in the emergence of jazz, swing, bebop, R&B, gospel, blues, and soul — all quintessentially American music genres. Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Sammy Davis Jr., James Brown, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, and countless others began their road to stardom on that stage. Maybe before visiting The Apollo you can head to Sylvia’s Restaurant for some soul food. The restaurant has been around for over 60 years.

Black History In Hollywood

As you plan you travel, it is important to learn about Black History in Hollywood, California. Hollywood is one of the most important cities for entertainment in the entire United States. Visiting Hollywood, there are dozens of landmarks that honor African-American’s contributions to various forms of entertainment. One of the most prominent sites you can see is Marvin Gaye’s Hollywood home. You can additionally see Nat King Cole’s former home, and even the Banks residence from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air at 251 North Bristol Ave. In addition, be sure to check out all the names of famous African- Americans immortalized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Some of the most famous celebrities include Michael Jackson, Muhammad Ali, Louis Armstrong, and Snoop Dogg.

Boxing History

In Louisville, Kentucky visit the well done Muhammad Ali Center and see the impact one boxer , Cassius Clay, had on the world of Civil Rights. Hungry? grab a bite at Shirley Mae’s Cafe and have some soul food. It is located in the oldest African American community in Louisville. While you are in the area, there are dozens of additional attractions to experience in Louisville and Lexington Kentucky.

Cassius Clay childhood home

Explore the impact that Heavyweight boxing champion legend Joe Louis had on the city of Detroit. He was the heavyweight champion of the world from 1937-49. The sculpture of Joe Louis’s fist in downtown Detroit is very powerful.

The Joe Louis Fist in Downtown Detroit, Hart Plaza.

African American Murals

As you visit cities around the United States, there are dozens of beautiful murals to honor African-American history and notable figures. Every city has some amazing, artistically crafted murals to check out. In Philadelphia, there is the famous Mural Mile Walking Tour, often considered to be the world’s largest outdoor art gallery. If your visiting Chicago, there is the famous mural ‘My Passion’s Humanity’ which depicts African-American masks and the local population. The murals of Prince in Minneapolis and of the Jackson 5 in Gary are additional must-see stops. There are even over 200 murals in Southern California that honor the life of the recently-passed Kobe Bryant.

African American Arts & Culture

Of course, there are plenty of locations to learn about African American arts and culture in the United States. Some great destinations include the National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington D.C., The African American Museum in Philadelphia, and the Museum of African American Art and Los Angeles. Some other great destinations include, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art in Washington D.C., the California African American Museum in Los Angeles, and the Studio Museum in Harlem. Here, you can see some incredible showcased works from famous African American artists, musicians, and writers. Certainly, there are so many notable destinations to learn about African American arts and culture. For fans of art and music travel, be sure to check out our guide on how to experience traditional Fado in Lisbon Portugal.