Black History and Culture Photo Gallery
A Visual Tour of the Culture, Sites and Stories of African Americans in Tallahassee
Union Bank Museum
Built in 1841, the Union Bank is considered Florida’s oldest surviving bank building. Originally opened as a “planter’s bank” during the antebellum period, the building became home to the National Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company following Emancipation. The building was renovated and repaired by the Florida Department of State in 2023. With this most recent restoration completed, the Museum of Florida History, in partnership with MEBA, opened new museum exhibits in February 2024.
Smokey Hollow Commemoration
Located at Cascades Park, the Smokey Hollow Commemoration celebrates the legacy of the historic black neighborhood of Smokey Hollow. The commemoration was established in 2015 to remember the businesses, spirit, and culture of the once thriving Smokey Hollow neighborhood.
Rosa Parks Mural at the People’s Advocacy Center
The mural of Civil Rights leader and activist Rosa Parks is located at the People’s Advocacy Center in Frenchtown. This mural is a reminder of the power of people when brave enough to do what is right.
Civil Rights Heritage Downtown
The Tallahassee-Leon County Civil Rights Walk honors more than 50 local foot soldiers of the Civil Rights movement, comprised mostly of FAMU students including sisters Priscilla Stephens and Patricia Stephens Due, among others. Their words and footprints line the sidewalk for visitors to follow through this critical moment in history.
Tallahassee Civil Rights Memorial
Located on the site of the former Leon County Jail now known as the Cascades Historical Plaza, the Tallahassee Civil Rights Memorial honors the courageous men and women who led the jail-in to protest segregation and interprets other key events of Tallahassee’s civil right history. A second smaller exhibit entitled “the Four Corners of History” shares the story of the Old City Waterworks Building, (now Amicus Brewing, Co.), the Caroline Brevard Grammar School, the former Leon County Health Unit and the former jail site.
Soul Voices of Frenchtown Heritage Trail
The Soul Voices of Frenchtown Heritage Trail introduced by the John G. Riley House tells the story of the historic Frenchtown neighborhood through the voices of those who lived there. Frenchtown is one of the oldest black neighborhoods in Tallahassee, beginning as land set aside post-Civil War for freed slaves. Follow the 13 makers to learn more about the culture and history as the neighborhood is brought to life.
Integration Statue at FSU
The Florida State University Integration Statue proudly stands as a reminder of the bridges African American students on FSU’s campus had to cross. The first black FSU athlete (Fred Flowers), homecoming princess (Doby Lee Flowers), and graduate (Maxwell Courtney) make up the statue, representing different aspects of student life becoming integrated.
“Justice” Mural at Law Offices of Anabelle Dias P.A.
As the fight for justice continues, this mural is a reminder of the leaders we can turn to for inspiration. The law office of Anabelle Dias P.A. near downtown is home to the mural spotlighting leaders who fought for justice- including Frederick Douglass, Ruby Bridges, and Malcom X.
Eternal Flame at FAMU
The Eternal Flame is the heart of FAMU, a place where students honor fellow Rattlers, celebrate, and take pride in one of the Nation’s oldest and most prestigious HBCUs. Burning 24 hours a day, the flame represents the spirit that lies within every FAMU student- past, present, and future.
John G. Riley Museum
The John G. Riley House and Museum is part of the defining legacy left behind by educator, activist, and businessman John G. Riley. Built in the 1890’s, his home is the last remaining evidence of the once thriving African American community of Smokey Hollow. Now a museum, the John G. Riley house upholds Riley’s life mission of education and service.
Fabric of Life Mural by Pamela Bowens-Saffo near FAMU
This mural located near FAMU’s campus by local artist Pamela Bowens-Saffo is a celebration of former slave and folk artist Harriet Powers and African American graphic artist Elizabeth Catlett. The work pays homage to the vibrant cultural works of African Americans in the South and is just one piece featured on Tallahassee’s southside celebrating Black history.
Frenchtown Heritage Hub
The Frenchtown Heritage Hub is a crucial part of the revitalization of the Frenchtown neighborhood. The hub hosts the Frenchtown Famers Market, the KitchenShare, and Frenchtown Neighborhood Improvement Association, all geared at supporting local businesses, farmers, and creators.
C.K. Steele Statue at C.K. Steele Plaza
Charles Kenzie Steele was one of the many Civil Rights leaders who organized the 1956 Bus boycott that led to the integration of the bus system. As the preacher of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Steele continued to be an influential leader of the black community in Tallahassee.
Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
Celebrating 153 years of fellowship this year, Bethel Missionary Baptist Church is one of Tallahassee’s oldest and largest congregations. The church was one of the few places formerly enslaved African Americans could find hope in 1870 and has continued to be the focus of community life, a testament to it being far more than a church. The original 1870 stained glass windows of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, preserved before its reconstruction in 1974, can be admired at the C.K. Steele Plaza Bus Station, located near the C.K. Steele statue.
Old Lincoln High School Historic Marker
Lincoln High school opened in 1869 as the Lincoln Academy during Reconstruction as the first school for African Americans in Leon County. The school not only offered education to young people, but provided nighttime vocational classes including Spanish, tailoring, and cosmetology. John G Riley served as the first black Leon County School principal of the Lincoln Academy in 1893.
Black Owned Businesses
Olean’s Café
For southern food lovers, Olean’s Café is a must try. Led by Olean McCaskill, the business has operated at its current location across from FAMU since 1997, serving food for the soul to Rattlers, visitors, and even Presidents.
Frenchtown Farmers Market
Every Sunday from 10am-2pm, the Frenchtown Farmers Market promotes local farmers and business owners. The market is a crucial component of the revitalization of Frenchtown, providing residents and visitors the opportunity to buy fresh produce and local products while supporting black-owned businesses.
Early’s Kitchen
Located on the Southside, Early’s Kitchen has been a landmark restaurant in Southern cuisine for over 30 years. Black-owned, this business also has locations at the Capitol Building and the Department of Revenue in Southwood.
