It’s black history month and we love a good trip exploring and exalting black perspective.
We celebrate black history month for several reasons but most importantly to edify the actual depth of cultural immersion we represent as black people.
Having gone through so much change and diversion in our core, we have survived, flourished, and empowered one another.
This month we celebrate black history by sharing a few destinations that uphold a definitive point in our history. The importance of acknowledging Black history and culture has been at the forefront of discussions more than ever, and an increasing number of people have taken active steps to further educate themselves on Black history.
These are unique destinations to visit that are reflective of black history and culture.
In Africa
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Nelson Mandela Capture Site
The Nelson Mandela Capture Site, located in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal, is one of the most significant landmarks in Black history. The location of Mandela’s arrest is marked by a captivating sculpture depicting the renowned activist’s face.
Dakar, Senegal: Museum of Black Civilizations
The Museum of Black Civilizations, which opened in 2018, has transformed the downtown Dakar scene. Hamady Bocoum, the museum’s director, is a well-known archaeologist who has curated works that highlight the contributions of Black culture around the world, including reclaimed African artifacts looted during the colonial period.
Zanzibar City, Zanzibar: Stone Town.
Stone Town is Zanzibar’s oldest neighbourhood. This Zanzibar area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that provides an important peek into the history of Zanzibar and East Africa. Stone Town’s architecture stems from the nineteenth century and combines Arab, Persian, Indian, and European elements. Stone Town was once the capital of Zanzibar, as well as the centre of the spice and slave trades, all of which played important roles in the country’s history.
Nairobi, Kenya: Banana Hill Art Gallery
Banana Hill Gallery in Nairobi has established itself as a leading location for African art, displaying the continent’s amazing culture and landscapes.
Cape Town, South Africa: Zeitz Mocaa
Zeitz Mocaa is the world’s largest museum of contemporary African art. Kudzanai Chiurai, Kehinde Wiley, Chris Ofili, and Julie Mehretu are among the artists whose work is on display at the non-profit gallery. Cape Town also offers local township tours to observe and learn about the city’s Apartheid legacy.
Outside Africa
Washington, D.C., USA: National Museum of African American History and Culture
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the first national museum solely dedicated to the documenting of African American life, history, and culture. It houses 36,000 artifacts.
Windsor, Canada: Tower of Freedom Underground Railroad Monument
The Underground Railroad is a significant part of Canadian Black history, and the Tower of Freedom Underground Railroad Monument in Windsor honours it. The monument honours all of the African slaves who used the subterranean railway to flee to Canada from the United States. The Tower of Freedom portrays the arrival of liberated slaves in Canada and the sentiment of liberation at that time. Together with a bronze Canadian flag and the flame of liberation, the monument commemorates local personalities and significant locations in the Underground Railroad campaign.
London, United Kingdom: Black Cultural Archives
This renowned museum in Brixton, London, is the only national history centre in the country dedicated to preserving and promoting the histories of African and Caribbean people. The creators felt the need for a location where members of the community, particularly young people, could find positive images of themselves in history and culture, including educationalist and community activist Len Garrison. As a result, this extraordinary ‘archive museum’ was created.
San Francisco, California, USA: Museum of the African Diaspora
This museum in San Francisco documents the history, art, and culture of the African diaspora. It focuses on the migration of Africans throughout history, from the diaspora at the beginning of human life to the present.
Washington DC, USA: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
The Martin Luther King Jr. Monument is one of many incredible monuments honouring historic figures, which can be found on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The memorial’s official address is 1964 Independence Avenue SW, a tribute to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a major act in which King played a key part. The memorial’s centrepiece is a 30-foot statue of Martin Luther King Jr. The centrepiece features phrases from his “I Have a Dream” speech, and the monument is flanked by quotes from many of his other renowned and inspirational speeches.
Would you be visiting any of these locations? Leave a comment to let me know whichever you’ll be visiting or would recommend visiting this month.
Sources:
https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/travel/best-black-history-month-destinations-pictures
https://www.contiki.com/six-two/destinations-for-black-history-and-culture/
https://www.ampersandtravel.com/blog/2020/black-history-culture-landmarks/
