By Lauren Tjaden
African-American history and culture are an inseparable part of Florida and its story, from the northern reaches of the state to its southernmost point.
This history reveals itself in buildings like the Williams House on Amelia Island, a charming bed and breakfast adorned with lattice and a graceful porch—and a fascinating past. The cheerful edifice was a safe house on the Underground Railroad, with its secret room still intact.
It’s highlighted in places like The African American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale, which encompasses a mind-boggling 60,000 square feet, with more African-American history books and books written by African-Americans than any other place in the country.
And it’s honored in events like the ZORA! Fest in Eatonville, named for the little girl who grew up there, Zora Neale Hurston, the most prolific Black woman writer of the Harlem Renaissance.
Check out these articles and videos to learn where you can discover and celebrate African American culture and history all around Florida...
Wells' Built Museum: Highlighting Orlando's African-American History
African-American History in Miami’s Overtown
Celebrate Jackie Robinson's Legacy in Daytona Beach
Hannibal Square Heritage Center of Winter Park: Pride & Progress
Key West’s Unique African Refugee Cemetery
Greenville: The Hometown of Ray Charles
First Florida State Park Named for African Americans
Celebrating History and Culture at ZORA! Fest in Eatonville
Zora Neale Hurston’s Eatonville (w/video)
African-American History and Culture in Miami’s Overtown
Now’s the Time to Visit Little Haiti, on the Brink of Change
Finding African-American History, and Florida’s Angola Community
African-American History in St. Petersburg’s Deuces Neighborhood
Pensacola’s African-American Roots
5 Great Places to Explore Florida's Unique Black Heritage
Bealsville: A Florida Story of Drive and Determination
African-American History in St. Augustine's Lincolnville Neighborhood
3 ‘Conch Towns’ Where Florida’s Bahamian Culture Thrives
