Journey Through History: Explore Civil Rights in 3 Iconic US Destinations during Black History Month 2026

Visiting Montgomery and Birmingham during Black History Month helps to delve into pivotal locations of the civil rights movement. Birmingham is often called “Bombingham” due to the numerous bombings that occurred during the height of the civil rights struggle in the 1960s. Montgomery was the birthplace of several iconic events, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott led by Rosa Parks. So, this city is often called the “Birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement” because of the fundamental Civil Rights Movement events.

Both cities boast rich historical landmarks and museums that offer insight into the African American struggle for equality. The distance between the two cities is about 2 hours, making it convenient to plan a two-city tour when traveling in the area. This allows you to maximize your experience and fully immerse yourself in the history of Black History Month.

Must-Visit Places in Montgomery:

• The Rosa Parks Museum at Troy University commemorates the legacy of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks and the pivotal Montgomery Bus Boycott. Situated in downtown Montgomery, where Parks was arrested, it’s the sole museum dedicated to her. Exhibits feature her original arrest record, a vintage Montgomery city bus, artwork, court documents, and a restored 1955 station wagon used for protest transportation.
• The Freedom Rides Museum. Downtown Montgomery houses this museum, a poignant civil rights memorial situated within the historic Greyhound bus station. On May 20, 1961, this station was a battleground for Freedom Riders who faced brutal assaults from white supremacists for challenging segregation. The museum was opened in May 2011 and has been operated by the Alabama Historical Commission.
• Holt Street Baptist Church. In the wake of Rosa Parks’ arrest on December 5, 1955, 5,000 people congregated at this church. They listened to Dr. Martin Luther King, a newly elected president of the Montgomery Improvement Association. His pivotal speech catalyzed the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The church was relocated and is now known as Holt Street Memorial Baptist.
• The Civil Rights Memorial Center is a paramount civil rights destination in Alabama. It pays homage to the martyrs of the movement while motivating visitors to persist in the pursuit of racial equity and social justice.
• The Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church and Parsonage Museum. The church and parsonage were preserved in their original state during Martin Luther King’s tenure as pastor from 1954 to 1960. During that time, the church served as a pivotal gathering place for mass meetings that catalyzed the renowned Montgomery Bus Boycott. Despite being bombed multiple times, the parsonage and church stand as a testament to the King family’s unwavering dedication to justice and equality.
• The Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration. The museum is housed in a former warehouse where hundreds of slaves were held awaiting auction. The museum offers a gripping journey through the dark history of slavery and racial oppression in America. The tour starts in a dimly lit hallway adorned with evocative images portraying the harsh realities faced by enslaved individuals during the 19th century. Documenting various facets of slavery and racial segregation, the museum also features exhibits showcasing legal rulings from the Supreme Court of the United States pertaining to these issues.
• Chris’ Famous Hotdogs not only serves mouthwatering hotdogs and hamburgers but also holds historical significance. This was a gathering place during the Civil Rights Movement for activists like Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks, during the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The restaurant became a symbol of resilience and community solidarity in the fight against segregation and discrimination.

Must-Visit Places in Birmingham:

• The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) is a contemporary museum that links to the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument, comprising significant sites from the Civil Rights Movement. Visitors can immerse themselves in a recreation of a segregated city in the 1950s, view a replica of a Freedom Riders bus, and see the actual jail cell door where Martin Luther King wrote his famous “Letter From Birmingham Jail.” The institute boasts an extensive archive of Civil Rights Movement documents and nearly 500 oral histories from the era.
• 16th Street Baptist Church. Despite its somber history, the church remains a vibrant part of the Birmingham community. Throughout the Civil Rights Movement, it played a pivotal role as a gathering point for organizing marches and other activism. Tragically, in 1963, the church was bombed, claiming the lives of four young Black girls: Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Denise McNair, and Carole Robertson. This devastating event spurred the federal government to accelerate civil rights legislation.
• Historic Bethel Baptist Church. Constructed in 1926, the church was the focal point of a nonviolent protest movement that reverberated across the US and beyond. Led by Fred L. Shuttlesworth, Bethel served as the official starting point of the Modern Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham.
• Kelly Ingram Park is adorned with evocative sculptures portraying the civil rights struggle in Birmingham. This place served as a gathering place for the activities of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and other pivotal groups during the movement.
• Angela Davis Home. Angela Davis is a prominent activist and author involved in the civil rights, feminist, and Black liberation movements. This Queen-Anne-style house, located at the junction of Center Street and 11th Court North, dates back to approximately 1900.
• Dynamite Hill Neighborhood. This neighborhood in Birmingham gained notoriety during the Civil Rights Movement for the frequent bombings. White supremacists targeted African American homes, aiming to intimidate and discourage integration efforts. Join a guided walking tour led by locals who have deep roots in the neighborhood and firsthand experience of its history.
• Greenwood Cemetery holds the graves of several prominent figures in the Civil Rights Movement. They include the attorney Arthur Shores, who fought against segregation in schools and other public facilities, and Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth, a key leader in the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement. 
• Black-owned places to eat. Kill two birds with one stone – support black-owned culinary businesses and delight your taste buds. Such establishments include: Jamaya and Mellow that offer authentic Jamaican food, Adian’s Dining that focuses on Caribbean cooking, and Bantu that specializes on African dishes.

During the early 1960s, Atlanta emerged as the cultural hub for the Civil Rights Movement. This city nurtured leaders like Martin Luther King, John Lewis, and numerous other figures who propelled the movement’s national growth. To fully embrace the atmosphere and historical significance of Atlanta, visit the following places.

Sweet Auburn District:

In the 1920s, Auburn Avenue rose as the bustling commercial heart of Black Atlanta. Fortune Magazine recognized the street as “The richest Negro street in America” in 1956. The area earned the affectionate moniker “Sweet Auburn,” attributed to businessman and civil rights advocate John Wesley Dobbs. Learn the places to visit for a memorable and insightful day:

• The Auburn Avenue Research Library. It’s the first Southeast’s public library that provides specialized reference and archival collections devoted to exploring African American culture.
• The APEX Museum. It’s the city’s sole museum exclusively committed to narrating the diverse and frequently overlooked narrative of the African Diaspora. Its exhibits cover topics ranging from Africa and the slave trade to African Women in S.T.E.M., Atlanta’s African American political figures, and a film about Sweet Auburn’s history.
• Historic signs. One sign denotes The Atlanta Daily World, the nation’s first black daily newspaper, which operated from this location from 1928 to 2008. While its headquarters have relocated, the publication remains dedicated to covering pertinent issues and events impacting Atlanta’s African American populace. The other landmark is The Royal Peacock, a black-owned nightclub that, during its prime, featured performances by artists like James Brown, B.B. King, and Aretha Franklin.
• Churches: pivotal hubs for the Civil Rights Movement. Big Bethel A.M.E. Church, Wheat Street Baptist Church, and Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church served as meeting places, organizing centers, and platforms for civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King. Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church also played a role in the movement by offering support and solidarity to the African American community during times of struggle.
• The Municipal Market. Have a snack in a legendary market opened in 1924. It served as a rare place where black and white citizens could interact on equal terms.
• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. It features the Visitor Center, showcasing the original farm wagon that carried King’s casket during his funeral procession. It also houses exhibits and a film dedicated to King’s legacy.
• The King Center. It features exhibitions about Dr. King, alongside the gravesites of Dr. King and his spouse, Coretta Scott King. Opposite the center is the Civil Rights Walk of Fame, inviting you to walk in the footsteps of civil rights pioneers.
• The Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Home. Observe the house from the street since it has been undergoing temporary closure for essential rehabilitation. But there’s a chance that the Birth Home could reopen by early 2026, likely by February, if the renovation stays on schedule.

Other Must-Visit Places:

• The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is in downtown Atlanta. It offers 3 key exhibits: civil rights (ensure equal treatment and protection under the law in employment, housing, and voting), human rights (encompass the fundamental rights and freedoms inherent to all human beings), and The Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Collection (showcases artifacts, documents, and exhibits related to Martin Luther King’s work).
• The Carter Presidential Library and Museum. Jimmy Carter advocated for civil rights and equality during his presidency and beyond. The award-winning museum showcases 2-4 national traveling exhibits annually alongside permanent displays chronicling Carter’s life and accomplishments. Guests can explore a precise replica of the Oval Office, a president’s daily routine, impressive state gifts and embark on a virtual global journey through an interactive computer table. With its engaging and interactive features, the museum offers enjoyable experiences for visitors of all ages.
• World Peace Rose Garden. It serves as a visual representation of Dr. King’s commitment to peace and nonviolence, featuring a starburst design that symbolizes the brilliance of his ideals. With 185 roses of various colors and fragrances, the garden incorporates the Official Flower of the United States to honor Dr. King’s legacy and promote his message of peace. From the Peace Plaza, facing the rose garden, you can directly view the graves of Dr. and Mrs. King located across the street. Keep in mind that during winter, the garden may not be in full bloom, and the overall scenery might be less vibrant compared to other seasons.
• Oakland Cemetery is the city’s oldest public park that serves as the burial ground for numerous distinguished African Americans, such as John Wesley Dobbs, Maynard Jackson, and Carrie Steele Logan.
• John Lewis Mural. It’s recognized as the top mural in Atlanta by the Atlanta Journal Constitution and showcased in numerous film and TV projects. The mural pays tribute to Congressman John Lewis, a champion of civil rights.
• Paschal’s Restaurant. Combine having a tasty meal with a meaningful visit. Renowned for its fried chicken and Creole specialties like gumbo and catfish etoufee, Paschal’s Restaurant holds a rich historical significance in Atlanta. Paschal’s emerged as a significant gathering spot for renowned entertainers, politicians, and business figures during the civil rights era. Notably, it served as a meeting ground for influential civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King. 

“Knowledge makes a man unfit to be a slave.”

Frederick Douglass