Heritage tours offer an immersive journey into the rich and often untold stories of Black history, culture and resilience. From the historic streets of Washington, D.C., where civil rights leaders once marched, to Jacksonville’s vibrant African American heritage, these tours allow travelers to connect with the past in meaningful ways during Black History Month.
Led by Black tour operators who are deeply invested in preserving and sharing these narratives, these experiences go beyond sightseeing—they serve as powerful educational tools, celebrating the contributions of Black Americans while fostering a deeper understanding of history.
Empowering Black Professionals in Tourism
The Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance (CHEA) is an organization actively working to break barriers by advocating for equitable funding, expanding access to business resources, amplifying Black-owned tourism businesses and pushing for policy changes that foster inclusivity.
“Black professionals and entrepreneurs in the tourism industry continue to face significant barriers, including limited access to capital, underrepresentation in leadership roles, systemic exclusion from key networks and a lack of visibility in mainstream tourism markets,” said Founder and CEO Stephanie Jones. “These challenges create an uneven playing field, making it harder for Black-owned businesses to scale and sustain long-term success.”
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) remain central to CHEA’s mission, she said.
“As DEI efforts are challenged and eliminated by the current administration and some major corporate industry brands, we will continue to work with corporate brands, tourism boards and industry organizations that are committed to leaning into DEI to ensure a more inclusive and equitable industry for all,” she said.
CHEA’s Diversity Tourism Academy provides “access to industry-specific education and technical assistance, access to industry networking events and leadership development to help business owners and professionals gain the tools and resources they need to thrive,” added Jones.
Looking ahead, CHEA envisions a thriving Black tourism ecosystem with more inclusive industry practices, an expansion of Black travel experiences and greater global connectivity.
CHEA is committed to ensuring Black professionals play a leading role in shaping the future of travel.
For more information, visit cheaglobal.org.
Black Heritage and History Tours Across the U.S.
KB Tours: A Journey Through African American History
KB Tours specializes in guided tours that delve into the significant contributions of African Americans throughout history. Led by a licensed tour guide, their African American Heritage Tour provides an immersive experience that brings the past to life. The tour is designed to be both educational and engaging, offering visitors ample time to explore key sites. The tour offers stops at some of the most historically significant locations in Washington, D.C., each with a profound connection to African American history.
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site: Visitors step into the home of Frederick Douglass, one of the most influential abolitionists and civil rights leaders in U.S. history. The home at Cedar Hill provides a glimpse into his life and legacy.
African American Civil War Memorial: Honoring the more than 200,000 Black soldiers who served in the U.S. Army and Navy during the Civil War, this stop pays tribute to their sacrifices and contributions.
Ben’s Chili Bowl: A legendary restaurant in the heart of the Shaw neighborhood, Ben’s Chili Bowl is more than just a food stop—it is a cultural landmark and a symbol of resilience within the Black community.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial: One of the most powerful landmarks in D.C., this memorial honors Dr. King’s enduring fight for justice and equality.
Lincoln Memorial: The site of Dr. King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech during the 1963 March on Washington. This stop provides a moment of reflection on the progress and ongoing struggles for civil rights.
In addition to these stops, the tour offers drive-by experiences of other historically and culturally significant sites in the nation’s Capital, including Howard University, one of the most prominent historically Black colleges and universities in the nation; Historic U-Street, known as “Black Broadway,” and a hub for African American culture, arts and nightlife; and Metropolitan AME Church, which is a spiritual and cultural landmark that has hosted the funerals of civil rights leaders such as Frederick Douglass and Rosa Parks.
For more information, visit kbtours.com.
Charlotte NC Tours: Walking in Their Footsteps
Charlotte NC Tours, which offers the Walking in Their Footsteps—African American History & Culture Tour of Charlotte, provides a deep dive into Charlotte’s African American heritage, showcasing the community’s resilience and cultural impact throughout history.
The tour leads visitors to the Mecklenburg Investment Center and Romare Bearden Park, which is named after African American artist Romare Beardenthis. The park serves as a tribute to his artistic legacy. The tour also includes a stop at the Harvey Gantt Center, a cultural hub celebrating African American contributions to the arts and history as well as the 7th Street Public Market, a vibrant marketplace that includes a variety of Black-owned businesses.
Visitors on the tour will also see Johnson C. Smith University, a historically Black university, and the surrounding Five Points neighborhood, which is integral to Charlotte’s Black history. If time allows, the tour will stop at M&F Bank, one of the oldest Black-owned banks, dedicated to supporting financial empowerment within the community.
For more information, visit charlottenctours.com.
A Tour of Possibilities: Memphis Through the Lens of Black History
A Tour of Possibilities is a Black-owned tour company dedicated to showcasing the complex history of African Americans in Memphis, TN. Serving as a “conductor” on this immersive journey, the tour brings to life the contributions of the city’s Black community. With a mix of powerful historical insights and inspiring stories, this experience offers visitors a deeper connection to Memphis beyond its famous barbecue and blues.
The Essence of Memphis Tour: A 2.5-Hour Journey Through History highlights key landmarks that reveal the impact of African Americans on Memphis’s past and present.
- Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum: A site that preserves the history of the Underground Railroad and the fight for freedom.
- Historic Mason Temple: The church where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his prophetic final speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” on April 3, 1968.
- National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel: A moving tribute to African American history, civil rights struggles and Dr. King’s lasting legacy.
- Beale Street: Dubbed the “Main Street of Black America” and officially recognized by Congress as the Home of the Blues, this historic street is a cornerstone of Black music and culture.
For more information, visit atopmemphis.com.
Explore JAX Core: “Harlem of the South” Tour
Explore Jacksonville’s deep-rooted Black history with Explore JAX Core, a 100% “Black Woman-Powered and Owned” licensed guided-tour company.
Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Explore JAX Core specializes in dynamic and educational tours that celebrate Black heritage. On its immersive 2-hour walking tour, visitors will journey through the historic streets of LaVilla, once known as the “Harlem of the South” for its vibrant cultural scene and deep connections to legendary figures like James Weldon Johnson, Eartha M. M. White and Louis Armstrong.
Walking through LaVilla and its surrounding historic districts, the tour includes:
- Exploring key landmarks and memorials tied to Black leaders who influenced the NAACP, the National Labor Movement and the Civil Rights Movement.
- Learning about pivotal historical moments from emancipation and reconstruction to the Great Fire, Jim Crow laws and the fight for desegregation.
- A visit to the first public school for Black children in Florida, a symbol of progress and resilience.
- Understanding the impact of “The Great Migration,” when Black Southerners moved north in search of new opportunities.
- Walking past sites linked to First Nations peoples, shedding light on Jacksonville’s early history.
- Hearing about the activists, artists, entrepreneurs and faith leaders who shaped LaVilla into a thriving cultural and economic center.
For more information, visit explorejaxcore.com.
This post first appeared at Prevue’s sister site, recommend.com.
