5 Ideas for Celebrating Black History Month in Roanoke
Take the Self Guided Gainsboro History Tour
On the Gainsboro History Tour of African American Culture – 5K informational walk, you'll explore the historic Gainsboro neighborhood, a predominantly Black enclave where more than a century ago residents seeded their own self-sufficient businesses, medical facilities, churches and schools and fostered one of the most vibrant centers of Black culture and commerce in the American South. Gainsboro, the Roanoke Valley's oldest town, was a regular stop for mid-century jazz greats including Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Lional Hampton, Cab Calloway, Ethel Waters, Nat “King” Cole and Dizzie Gillespie.
Find details and the map here: Self Guided Walking Tour
Visit the Harrison Museum of African American Culture at Center in the Square
The Harrison Museum of African American Cultures, Inc. (HMAAC) is a cultural and educational institution committed to advocating, showcasing,
preserving and celebrating the art and history of African Americans for Roanoke Valley citizens and visitors. Current exhibits include the art and journaling of David Ramey, art by Dyke Wood, and artifacts from the life Frederick Douglas. Learn More
Visit Lacks Plaza
Lacks Plaza celebrates the unique medical contributions of Roanoke native, Henrietta Lacks. Henrietta Lacks was one of a diverse group of patients who unknowingly donated cells at Hopkins in 1951. Her cells, known as HeLa cells for Henrietta Lacks, remain a remarkably durable and prolific line of cells used in research around the world. Lacks Plaza is located at 410 3rd St SW Roanoke, VA.
View the Virtual Hidden in Plain Site History Tour
Hosted by the Harrison Museum of African American Culture, Hidden in Plain Site Roanoke is a virtual tour experience that focuses on overlooked sites that tell the story of Black history and the Black experience in Roanoke. The tour is designed to inform and educate while changing how residents and visitors see and experience the City of Roanoke. Visit the Hidden in Plain Site page on the Harrison Museum of African American Culture's website for additional information and to view the tours.
Visit the Booker T Washington National Park in Franklin County
Booker T Washington was born into slavery on the Burrough's plantation in what is now the Booker T Washington National Park. Visitors to the park can:
- Explore the birthplace of Booker T. Washington and the place where he took his first breath of freedom.
- Learn about the institution of slavery, the American Civil War and Dr. Washington's legacy at Tuskegee Institute which is Tuskegee University today.
- Visit the farm area that represents the farm where Booker T. Washington spent his first 9 years.
- Hike the 1.5 mile Jack-o-Lantern Branch Heritage Trail.
- Learn about tobacco which was the cash crop.
- Become a Junior Ranger
