LEON COUNTY CELEBRATES THE BLACK COMMUNITY AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY THIS BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Media Contact: Scott Lindeman
Scott.Lindeman@VisitTallahassee.com
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Feb. 1, 2021) – In celebration of Black History Month, Leon County honors the history, culture and strength of the Black community and their crucial role in shaping Florida’s Capital City. From education and artistry, to culinary arts and civil rights, the black community has innovated life in the region since the 1840’s.
The spirit of figures such as John G. Riley, the Stephens Sisters, and George Proctor illustrate the power of investing in our communities to create a more equitable society for all of us. While we learn from them through the Smokey Hollow Commemoration, John G. Riley House, and the Grove, their impacts continue to shape the community through the revitalization of black-owned businesses, artwork, and activism. This month we spotlight those learning opportunities and recognize the rich cultural fabric of Black culture in Tallahassee year-round.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to safely explore the places and people whose courage and vision have made lasting contributions to the advancement and future of the community. To ensure the safety of visitors amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there are a variety of locations to explore both outdoors and digitally as well as several itineraries that each provide a unique opportunity to learn more about the rich Black History found in Leon County. To view the itineraries, go to https://visittallahassee.visitwidget.com/tours/black-culture-experience-itinerary.
Attractions, Museums + Itineraries
As we celebrate the rich Black history found in Leon County, preservation and education are key to ensuring that history is not lost. The John G. Riley Center and Museum was originally the house Riley bought in 1885. Today, the museum hosts tours and events to educate the community not only on his legacy, but the Smokey Hollow Community where the house was built. A walk through the nearby Smokey Hollow Commemoration, the Concord Schoolhouse at the Tallahassee Museum, or the Old City Cemetery where John G. Riley and the Proctor family is laid to rest allows visitors to not only read history, but experience it. To guide you through all that Tallahassee has to offer, the African American Heritage and Black Culture Experience itineraries feature these sites and more.
Art & Artistry – ESP draft
Black artistry is at the core of the African American experience in America. Through dance, music, and visual art, the spirit of the black community is given new life, and is shared from generation to generation. A testament to that expression is the Bradfordville Blues Club. For over 50 years, the club has been a gathering place for blues musicians to safely celebrate and share their craft with their community. Its importance in the region solidified its place on the Mississippi Blues Trail, making it one of only two locations in Florida on the list. Black artistry continues to thrive throughout Tallahassee, through events and venues such as the Anderson Brickler Gallery, and Black On Black Rhyme.
Photo Gallery/Tour – ESP Draft
Images of hope, messages of equality, and the voices of community are woven throughout Tallahassee-Leon County. The Black History and Culture Photo Gallery takes visitors on a journey throughout Leon County to the historical sites core to the black experience in Tallahassee. The photo gallery takes a look back in time at figures such as George Proctor and the Rutgers House[JL1] , and a look ahead at revitalization at locations such as the Frenchtown Heritage Hub. Experience where the past meets the present with this closer look at the Black History woven throughout the City.
While this month we take special time to celebrate and honor the rich Black history found in Leon County, these opportunities for engagement and learning are available all year long. For a complete list of African American heritage sites or to view itineraries go to VisitTallahassee.com. For a mobile friendly version of the itineraries, download the Visit Tallahassee app available for iPhone and Android devices.
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About The Leon County Division of Tourism/Visit Tallahassee: The Leon County Division of Tourism (Visit Tallahassee) is the official destination marketing organization for Tallahassee-Leon County. Tourism is charged with marketing Tallahassee-Leon County nationally as a premier leisure, business and sports destination through direct sales, advertising, public relations, sports and visitor services. Named as one of Southern Living’s top 10 Cities of the South, in 2020, Tallahassee-Leon County welcomed 1.68 million visitors who contributed $766 million in economic impact and accounts for more than 11,943 people employed in our community in the tourism & hospitality industry. For more information, go to VisitTallahassee.com or call toll free (800) 628-2866. Engage with Visit Tallahassee on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #iHeartTally and #Trailahassee.
