Where to Celebrate Black History Month in Downtown Atlanta

This February, find numerous ways to observe, explore, and celebrate Black History Month in Downtown Atlanta. 

Celebrating Congressman John Lewis

In honor of what would be Congressman Lewis’s 85th birthday on February 21st, Atlanta Downtown and WABE present a FREE screening of the documentary John Lewis: Good Trouble at the Rialto Center for the Arts at GSU, followed by a panel discussion with Atlanta civic leaders moderated by Rose Scott from WABE.

Join us before the film for a lobby fair from 6:00 – 7:00 PM featuring activities by the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Theatre doors open at 6:30 PM and the film begins at 7:00 PM.

PLUS: The first 200 attendees will receive a free birthday treat to celebrate the Congressman's 85th birthday!

 

Auburn Avenue

Auburn Avenue has long been the center of Black history, culture, business, and spirituality in Atlanta. Consider taking a walk down the Avenue to experience landmark institutions, local businesses, and public art. Not sure where to start? Check out this guide to Sweet Auburn from Explore Georgia. 

Special Event: Celebrating Black History in Sweet Auburn

February 22, 9 AM - 1 PM

Join the National Center for Civil and Human Rights at Constellations to learn local history, take a tour, and enjoy music as you step back in time.

  

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects the American Civil Rights Movement to today’s Global Human Rights Movements. The Center is currently closed for construction as they expand. 

BUT you can still participate in a number of activities they are hosting around the community.

 

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park + The King Center

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birth Home is currently closed for renovations, however, you can take part in a ranger-led presentation in the bookstore next door to the Birth Home multiple times each day. Don't forget to walk down Auburn to participate in a ranger-led tour of the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church.

The Park's Visitor Center, Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, Fire Station No. 6, and the King Center's Freedom Hall are open 9 AM - 5 PM each day.
 

Oakland Cemetery

The Historic Oakland Foundation recently opened a brand-new visitor center and museum shop, where you can purchase maps for self-guided walking tours. 

Stops along the tour include the final resting place of some of Atlanta’s black history pioneers, including Carrie Steele Logan, founder of Atlanta’s first orphanage for African American children; William Finch, one of Atlanta’s first African American city councilmen; Bishop John W. Gaines and Julia A. Gaines, pastor and First Lady of Big Bethel A.M.E. Church; and Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first African American mayor. 

 Want a guided experience? Oakland is offering a variety of Black History-focused tours in February. Check the listings on their event calendar.

 

Auburn Avenue Research Library

This community amenity always boasts a robust event calendar, and Black History Month is no exception. In February, they are offering a selection of book talks, art exhibits, film screenings, panels, workshops, and community engagement discussions regarding the Civil Rights Movement, the African Diaspora, race, identity, and much more. See the listings here.

 

APEX Museum

For 42 years, The APEX Museum has reigned as Atlanta’s first and oldest Black History museum. Located on Auburn Avenue, the mission of the APEX Museum is to interpret and present history from an African American perspective to help all Americans and international visitors better understand and appreciate the contributions of African Americans to America and the world. APEX is currently open on Saturdays from 11 AM - 3 PM.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

The Children's Museum is celebrating Black Futures Month in February. Black Futures Month is all about celebrating Black leaders that are making a difference in the world today. View the full programming schedule here. 

 

Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame

The College Football Hall of Fame, in partnership with Kia and Coca-Cola, is honoring the incredible legacies of African American players and coaches who have made indelible marks on the sport. Their contributions to college football, both on and off the field, have not only shaped the game's history but also set powerful examples of perseverance, excellence, and leadership. This special exhibit is included with your regular admission ticket. 

 

Georgia State University

The university celebrates not only the past accomplishments of Black pioneers, but also recognizes present excellence, and those who continue to blaze an extraordinary trail forward. Join students, faculty, community members, and guests at a series of events including film screenings, lectures, discussions, and celebrations.

 

Atlanta Hawks Basketball

The Atlanta Hawks are hosting their Black History Month Game Fueled by Georgia Natural Gas on Friday, February 7, 2025. This night will celebrate Black creators through a variety of performances, in-arena programming, and activations that showcase the Hawks’ and GNG’s commitment to honoring the legacy of Black and Brown creatives who play a crucial role in documenting and shaping the narrative of social movements throughout history. PLUS: All fans in attendance will receive a co-branded t-shirt designed by local Black creative Aysha Pennerman.

 

Spelman College

Take a quick trip out of Downtown to visit We Say What Black This Is, an exhibition showcasing mixed media and watercolor paintings by MacArthur award-winning artist Amanda Williams. The new exhibit opens February 7, 2025, and will be on view through May 24, 2025.

 

More Ways to Celebrate and Observe

• More of a homebody? Flip through Fulton County Library System's lists of book recommendations for Black History Month.
• To help fuel your explorations, grab a meal at Paschal's, a historic restaurant serving soul food to the like of MLK, Ambassador Andrew Young, Mayor Maynard Jackson, and more. 

Are there additional offerings you think should be listed here? Contact us at marketing@atlantadowntown.com.