In February, we honor those who gave their hearts—and for some, their lives—to the cause of racial equality, justice, and change. As we celebrate Black history at NTA, we feature several member destinations with tourism offerings that highlight Black history and heritage.
Chicago Southland, Illinois
Chicago Southland is a collection of suburbs south of the Windy City, where hundreds of thousands of African American families settled during the Great Migration of the early to mid-20th century.
“Our experience in the Chicago Southland with heritage tourism has always paid attention to local and regional African American history,” says Dr. Larry A. McClellan, professor emeritus with Governors State University in University Park, Illinois. “Our region and its historic Black communities have many remarkable stories, and we affirm that ‘Black history matters’ because it serves to enrich, complete, and broaden the understanding of history for everyone.”
This significant history can be absorbed through experiences and attractions across Chicago Southland, and here are a few to note:
- Illinois Black Hall of Fame Located inside Governors State University, the Illinois Black Hall of Fame launched with the recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021. Its mission is to recognize and salute the accomplishments of notable African American achievers who have a connection to Illinois, including Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, a Howard University graduate and longtime pastor, and Emil Jones, former president of the Illinois Senate.
- Jan and Aagje Ton Farm This Underground Railroad site, once a farm that served as a respite for escaping slaves, is now Chicago’s Finest Marina, a Black-owned motorboat marina. A memorial garden was established in 2011 on the grounds of the First Reformed Church in South Holland to honor the couple and all those who supported the Underground Railroad effort.
- Robbins Historical Museum This museum celebrates the contributions of extraordinary people from Robbins, Illinois. On-site is the first Black airport in U.S. history that was built, owned, and operated by certified African-American aviators. Ten original Tuskegee Airmen were from Robbins.
For more info on attractions and Black-owned businesses, see this list on Visit Chicago Southland’s website. Dr. McClellan shares detailed Black history travel inspiration in Chicago Southland in his article here.
Chicago Southland CVB
Contact: Tobie Fitzpatrick
Greater Palm Springs, California
When visiting the sunny community of Greater Palm Springs, California, visitors can discover Black history and heritage through various avenues. One compelling way is by attending services at local Black churches, where traditional styles of worship and preaching offer an authentic cultural experience. These churches serve as hubs of community and faith, providing insight into the rich traditions and contributions of Black Americans in the area.
Additionally, visitors can take the Urban Palm Springs Black History Tour that introduces the Black pioneers of the region whose talents and perseverance helped them overcome the prejudices of long ago. The tour begins on the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation Section 14, where African Americans settled in the 1940s. Participants will see the works of renowned architect Paul R. Williams and learn about land developer and city planner Lawrence Crossley, who arrived in Greater Palm Springs in the 1920s. The tour continues to the Desert Highland Gateway Estates—Palm Springs’ largest predominantly Black neighborhood—where there are several historical churches. The tour ends at the James O. Jessie Unity Center, the centerpiece of the Desert Highland Gateway Community and the social, cultural, and recreational hub of the area. Click here for more from Greater Palm Springs’ Black Chamber of Commerce.
Visit Greater Palm Springs, California
Contact: Joanne Ohanesian
Louisville, Kentucky
“Louisville would not be the creative, innovative, passionate city that it is without its Black community,” says Louisville Tourism’s Saundra Robertson. “For so many things that make Louisville unique—from Bourbon and horse racing to food traditions and even the Greatest himself, Muhammad Ali—countless people of color have contributed their gifts to build the city’s vibrant culture. The past can be complex and sometimes hard to imagine through a modern lens. We all benefit from learning a destination’s complete history. We welcome you to discover Bourbon City’s Black Heritage.”
Here are some of Saundra’s recommendations for discovering Black history and heritage in Louisville:
- The “Unfiltered Truth Collection” features eight immersive reenactments that take visitors back in time at attractions that honor the impact and influence of African Americans.
- Louisville-based Black-owned restaurants include Keke’s Southern Cooking & BBQ, Shirley Mae’s Café, and The Seafood Lady.
- The self-guided “Civil Rights History Tour” is a 22-stop tour created by the Anne Braden Institute for Social Justice Research in the Ekstrom Library at University of Louisville.
- The city’s “The Journey: Unsung Stories of the Underground Railroad” is a walkable or drivable audio tour through significant locations and landmarks along both sides of the Ohio River that reveal local connections to the Underground Railroad.
- The Muhammad Ali’s Louisville experience celebrates the life and legacy of the world-class boxer and global humanitarian at the Muhammad Ali Center. Visitors can trace Ali’s footsteps to see the city that helped shape his life and career.
Learn more about Bourbon City’s Black Heritage at gotolouisville.com/things-to-do/history/black-heritage/ and in the new Louisville visitors guide at gotolouisville.com/travel-tools/visitor-guide/ under “Discover Louisville’s Black Heritage.”
Louisville Tourism
Contact: Saundra Robertson
