February 1, 2023
Atlanta has always had a rich history. The city was at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and ‘60s. So, it’s no surprise that the city is home to several sites on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. The trail is a collection of more than 100 churches, schools, museums, meeting places and other landmarks that played a significant role in the fight for civil rights. In honor of Black History Month, we’re highlighting the locations on the trail you can visit in the city.
The Legacy of Dr. King:
The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the preacher, motivational speaker and activist, begins and ends in Atlanta. This is where he was born, raised, and is now buried. There are four locations across the Atlanta area on the trail where you can learn more about the life and work of Dr. King: his home on Auburn Avenue, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Martin Luther King Jr. Historical Park, and the King Center.
Elbert P. Tuttle United States Court of Appeals Building:
This historical building was the setting where Brown v Board of Education was implemented in the South, the landmark decision that desegregated public schools.
APEX Museum:
The APEX Museum – or African American Panoramic Experience – is the oldest Black History Museum in Atlanta. It was founded in 1978 by Dan Moore Sr., a filmmaker. It features a rotation of diverse exhibits telling the stories of African and African American history and culture. The building itself is housed within a century-old building that was built by African American masons.
Center for Civil and Human Rights:
In downtown Atlanta, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights has been inspiring visitors since 2014. The exhibits feature leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the history of the fight for civil rights in the United States as well as other stories highlighting the modern struggles for human rights around the world.
The Carter Center (The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum):
This library and museum was founded in 1986 by former President Jimmy Carter. It houses documents and photographs from the Carter presidency, including photos of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.