African-American Heritage Tour (Self Guided), Savannah

The history of America has many themes, but the theme of African American history that has touched many the most is the theme of resilience. Indeed, African Americans' enduring strength and resilience in the face of adversity have been the subjects of many songs, books, and movies in recent years. Savannah, Georgia, whose African-American population makes up about 60 percent of total residents, is integral to a complete understanding of the experience of African Americans in the South, including the great heritage they left in its culture, politics, and art.

One of the places dedicated to preserving African-American history in Savannah is the restored, Victorian-era King-Tisdell Cottage. Another historic home, the Owens-Thomas House, offers a glimpse into the lives of wealthy locals and the enslaved African Americans who worked in the household and lived in the adjacent Slave Quarters.

Following the emancipation of slaves, one of the first schools for African Americans in the city was the Beach Institute opened in 1867. The Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, named after a prominent local civil rights leader, showcases the struggle of African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement.

There are also several monuments commemorating notable individuals and historical events that shaped the African-American community, such as the African American Monument in Rousakis Plaza on River Street and the Haitian Memorial Monument situated in Franklin Square.

"We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now," Martin Luther King Jr. said once, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all people in the United States, regardless of their racial and ethnic backgrounds. If you seek more insight into the African-American experience for a deeper understanding of Savannah's history and culture, take this self-guided walking tour.