Explore the Culture, Sites and Stories of African Americans in Tallahassee 

Explore the Culture, Sites and Stories of African Americans in Tallahassee 

As the nation marks its semiquincentennial through the America250 initiative, Tallahassee-Leon County celebrates Black History Month 2026 by honoring the triumphs and cultural legacy of Black Americans who have shaped the American journey. From the 1865 reading of the Emancipation Proclamation at the Knott House to the modern influence of world-class artists and entrepreneurs, Tallahassee-Leon County serves as an authentic destination for experiencing the depth of African American history and its essential role in the story of the United States.

Historic Leaders and Influences
Throughout history, countless Black leaders, artists, activists, and visionaries have made—and continue to make—an indelible mark on our community. Remarkable contributions from civil rights, the arts, literature, food, and more shape and influence Black history in Leon County/Tallahassee.

From civil rights icons like Rev. C.K. Steele, Wilhelmina Jakes, and Carrie Patterson to historic Black entrepreneurs such as George Proctor—a freed slave and builder of some of Tallahassee’s most cherished homes—the impact of Black leaders resonates throughout Leon County. The John G. Riley Center and Museum for African American History and Culture, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, stands proudly in downtown Tallahassee, serving as a poignant reminder of the African American neighborhood of Smokey Hollow, which spanned what is now Cascades Park.

Florida Emancipation and Civil Rights
Leon County has long stood at the forefront of pivotal movements in the fight for freedom and civil rights. A cornerstone of this legacy is May 20, 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation was first read in Florida on the steps of the Knott House—nearly a month before it reached Texas on June 19, now celebrated as Juneteenth. May 20 now marks the official end of slavery in Florida and continues to be commemorated as Florida Emancipation Day. Decades later, the 1956 Tallahassee Bus Boycott, led by Florida A&M University students, further solidified the city’s role as a catalyst for progress in Black history and civil rights.

A Featured Stop on the America250FL Road Trip

The John G. Riley Center & Museum for African American History and Culture has gained statewide recognition as an official stop on the America250FL Road Trip. As the only Black history site in Tallahassee featured on this official state itinerary, the Riley House serves as a vital landmark for travelers. A dedicated historic marker at the site commemorates the museum’s role in preserving the legacy of the historic Smokey Hollow neighborhood, inviting visitors to explore Tallahassee’s unique and foundational contributions to the nation’s 250-year journey.

Florida A&M University (FAMU) – Modern Trailblazers and Educational Excellence

Founded in 1887, Florida A&M University remains a national leader in education and culture. This year, the community celebrates Oluwamodupe “Dupe” Oloyede, who made history as the first female head drum major of the FAMU Marching 100.

The campus is also home to the Meek-Eaton Black Archives Research Center & Museum, one of only 10 Black archives in the nation. The preservation of this history extends to downtown Tallahassee with the Union Bank Museum. Originally constructed in 1830 and later used as a Freedmen’s Savings and Trust Company, it is Florida’s oldest surviving bank building and a symbol of Black economic resilience. For those tracing their own lineage, the Tallahassee African American Genealogical Society (TAAGS) provides valuable research resources and hosts monthly meetings at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church.

Today, the Civil Rights Heritage Sidewalk on Jefferson Street honors the local “trailblazers” whose courage transformed the community. This narrative is further expanded at the Civil Rights Timeline near the AC Hotel at Cascades Park, offering a powerful chronological look at the milestones of the movement. That legacy continues today through Tallahassee’s arts, music, and culinary communities.

Ongoing Community Events
Black history in Leon County continues to thrive through events and traditions that celebrate Black culture and heritage. Annual gatherings such as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration and Parade, the Harambee Festival, Frenchtown Rising, and the Jubilee Gospel Festival bring the community together in celebration and reflection. Visitors and residents alike can immerse themselves in Black heritage through these events and other initiatives.

The Frenchtown Neighborhood
The Frenchtown neighborhood, developed during the Reconstruction era as land set aside exclusively for recently freed slaves after the Civil War, offers a poignant journey through history. Visitors can explore the Soul Voices of Frenchtown trail, a series of markers that recount the rich stories of this African American community through the voices of local historical figures.

The Grove Museum
A pivotal chapter in the civil rights struggle is preserved at The Grove Museum, one of the best-preserved homes originally built by enslaved African Americans and later the residence of Governor LeRoy Collins, a leader in advancing civil rights in Florida. The museum will offer special Black History Month tours on February 20, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.. These guided tours, led by the museum’s founding director John Grandage, focus on local Black history, The Grove, and broader themes of American history and historic preservation.

Part of the Grove Museum Collection

African American Genealogy
For residents and visitors interested in exploring African American genealogy, the Tallahassee African American Genealogical Society (TAAGS) offers a vital resource dedicated to preserving history. Officially established on January 1, 2019, TAAGS fosters education and interest in African American genealogy by connecting individuals with shared interests and providing valuable resources for historical research. The society hosts monthly meetings at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, welcoming anyone passionate about documenting and sharing their family histories.

Art Exhibitions & Cultural Events

Tallahassee’s arts scene continues to elevate Black voices through galleries, landmarks and public spaces. Many Black History Month experiences are offered in partnership with local cultural institutions, historically Black organizations and community leaders:

• Music Legends: The Adderley Amphitheater at Cascades Park honors soul-jazz pioneers and Tallahassee natives Julian “Cannonball” and Nat Adderley. The city’s musical impact is further recognized through recent honorary street designations that celebrate icons in their childhood neighborhoods. These include George Clinton Way (a portion of Dade Street in Frenchtown) honoring the “Architect of P-Funk,” and T-Pain Lane (a portion of Pasco Street) celebrating the global influence of the Grammy-winning Tallahassee native.
• LeMoyne Arts: The gallery continues its tradition of highlighting Black excellence, featuring works by local and regional African American artists throughout the month.
• QZ Design Gallery: Owned by FAMU alumna Quia Atkinson showcases contemporary mixed-media art that has earned recognition statewide.

Culinary Heritage

Tallahassee-Leon County’s local economy is shaped by Black-owned businesses that have become community landmarks. Olean’s Cafe and Earley’s Kitchen have served as pillars of Southern hospitality for more than 40 years, while Barb’s Brittles, led by Florida State University alumna Barbara McGarrah, has thrived for a quarter-century. Modern innovators continue this legacy, with both Chef Sam Burgess of Pineappetit and Chef Dwaynye “Chef D” Rolle of Halisi Africa recently earning national attention on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Their respective fusions of Caribbean flavors and authentic African cuisine have put Tallahassee’s vibrant and diverse food scene under a national spotlight.

Literature & Film
Tallahassee’s literary and film contributions further enrich the celebration of Black history. Local authors include Ravi Howard (“Driving the King”), Lamar Wilson (poet and FAMU alumnus), Maxine Montgomery (scholar of contemporary Black women’s novels), Tananarive Due (fantasy writer and Tallahassee native), Dot Inman-Johnson (author of local Black history), and Althemese Barnes and Ann Roberts (local historians). Together, Barnes and Roberts co-wrote “Tallahassee, Florida” from Arcadia Publishing’s “Black America Series,” a photographic history of Tallahassee and Leon County’s rich African American heritage.”

Adding to this list, award-winning Tallahassee filmmaker and Florida State University Film Professor Valerie Scoon (“Invisible History,” “Daring Women Doctors”) brings powerful stories to life through her impactful documentaries by highlighting often-overlooked narratives and histories. Will Packer, a proud FAMU graduate and one of Hollywood’s most successful producers, has left an undeniable mark on the industry with blockbuster films such as “Girls Trip” and “Straight Outta Compton.” His work continues to elevate Black storytelling on the big screen while inspiring the next generation of filmmakers. Barry Jenkins, a Florida State University alumnus, is the acclaimed director and screenwriter of “Moonlight,” which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2017. He also received an Oscar nomination for Best Director and won Best Adapted Screenplay for the film.

Plan Your Visit
For those seeking a deeper exploration, Visit Tallahassee provides resources for Black heritage sites and trails, Black-owned restaurants, and curated itineraries dedicated to Black culture and history. Tallahassee-Leon County invites everyone to celebrate the remarkable legacy of Black history, which continues to shape our community, state and the world. To delve deeper into Black history and culture in Tallahassee, visit VisitTallahassee.com or follow Visit Tallahassee on Instagram and Facebook.