African American Heritage Walking Tour (Self Guided), New Orleans

For over 300 years, the African-American community has played an intrinsic role in creating authentic New Orleans that everyone loves today. The bedrock of the city's life is built on the African-American experience, a heritage both proud and tragic, yet strong enough to have preserved throughout centuries the many aspects of African culture, influencing everything from religion to vibrant music to the spicy, singular food that New Orleanians eat for dinner.

Never segregated, the Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1 contains both white and African-American tombs, including that of Ernest “Dutch” Morial, the first African-American mayor of New Orleans (1978-86), who was instrumental in the building of the city’s very successful Convention Center. While there, you cannot continue further without walking through and enjoying the beautiful Congo Square. Full of history, beautiful art, and well-kept grounds, this place, along with adjacent Louis Armstrong Park, is a must-see.

The attractiveness of the African American Museum lies in the artwork that is used to depict the hardships and accomplishments of the Africans that did not come here of their own free will but still survived and flourished, continuing to do so till this day. The history of black slaves, the work of entrepreneurial black men and women in aiding slaves to freedom, along with eradicating poverty, hunger and homelessness, is further illustrated inside Free People of Color Museum – a well preserved 1850s mansion that ends your journey.

Take this tour of New Orleans to learn the history of African-Americans in the city and explore their traditions and culture!