Dec 28

Dec 28 10 Places to Visit Around the World for Black History

Beyond learning about Black History, visiting Black Heritage locations around the world is probably one of the most enriching aspects of travelling to new places. COVID-19 came with its lockdowns and travel restrictions, throwing a wrench in travel plans across the world. Two years on though, countries have opened up again and we know you're looking for that next holiday, in what feels like forever! So we’ve compiled a list of Black History destinations across the world you can visit to elevate your holiday experience.

1. The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, USA

Extending from North Carolina to Florida in the US, the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor is a 12,000 square mile National Heritage Area that spotlights the diverse culture of the Gullah Geechee people. Descendants of Africans with roots in the rice-growing regions of West Africa, the Gullar Geechee people have since made the US their home and have succeeded in retaining important aspects of their history. Places to visit on the Corridor include the Fort Mose Historic State Park, the Historical Harrington School, and the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Pavilion.

2. Elmina Castle, Ghana

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site and one of the locations in Werner Herzog’s Cobra Verde, Elmina Castle is a valuable part of Black History because it was a temporary holding place for thousands of African slaves before their transport to the US, Europe, and other parts of the world. If you fancy a trip to West Africa, a stop at the Elmina Castle in Ghana should be part of your itinerary. There you will learn about the dark history of the transatlantic slave trade and see the dungeons, door-of-no-return, and other relics of this harsh part of Black History.

3. Tremé, USA

Third on our list is Tremé, one of the oldest neighborhoods in New Orleans. Must-see places in Tremé include Congo Square (with its influence on Black music and dance) and the New Orleans African American Museum of Art, History and Culture (dedicated to preserving and interpreting Black influence on New Orleans culture).

4. Secrets of Soho Black History Walk, UK

Soho Square and Russell Square in London provide a rich repository of Afro-Caribbean history which you can delve into with the Secrets of Soho Walk run by Black History Walks. Highlights of the walk include seeing ancient African civilizations, learning about Black British Civil Rights activists, Black women broadcasters, and more.

5. Black Cultural Archives, UK

Established to collect and preserve materials that embody African and Caribbean descent in the UK, the Black Cultural Archives is a must-visit place for anyone wanting to learn about Black History. Things to see here include papers, photographs, books, records, and exhibitions that represent notable persons/aspects of Black culture.

6. Moore Town, Jamaica

Formerly known as New Nanny Town, Moore Town is home to the Maroons, descendants of escaped slaves who found their way to Jamaica. Here, you will learn about how the Maroons, led by Queen Nanny and her brothers, resisted recapture and colonization attempts by the British. Important places to visit include the Moore Town Maroon Cultural Centre, Nanny Falls, Bump Grave, and more.

7. Citadelle Laferrière, Haiti

Built as a defense strategy for a war that never came, Citadelle Laferrière is a 130-foot high fortress constructed between 1805-1820. A newly independent Haiti was not willing to leave its freedom to chance and so built Citadelle Laferrière to keep intending attackers out. In 1982, the citadel was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Though over 200 years old, Citadelle Laferrière retains its attraction for Black History travellers.

8. Samaná, Dominican Republic

Away from the beaches and resorts in the Dominican Republic is Samaná, a peninsula that houses the Samaná Americans, descendants of African-Americans who migrated from the US in 1824. The group has retained most of its culture including its music (bambula), church (La Churcha), and language (English).

9. Regla, Cuba

Getting a first-hand look at Afro-Cuban religion goes no further than visiting Regla, a municipality in Havana, Cuba. Visitors to Regla can get insights into Santeria, see the Black Madonna at the Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de Regla, learn about Abakuá and other Afro-Cuban spiritual accoutrements.

10. Church of Our Lady of Rosário dos Pretos, Brazil

Built by the Brotherhood of Our Lady of the Rosary of Black Men (an African Catholic organization formed by slaves and freemen), this Catholic church was built to create a place where Blacks could worship with their own distinct flourishes. Located in Salvador, the church offers a touch of African culture in its masses which should be seen in addition to its magnificent structure.