Black History in Atlanta: The Legacy Lives On

As we celebrate Black history this month, it's important to realize that African-Americans have been making their mark in U.S. history in a variety of cities and states. Atlanta, Ga., however, has been the site of Civil Rights demonstrations and great events in Black history for quite some time. Here are some interesting facts about the talented, business-minded, and courageous African-Americans that have contributed to making Atlanta the historically impressive city that it is.

Herndon Home

Alonzo Herndon, who was an ex-slave, went on to be one of the most successful businessmen in Atlanta history. He always understood the concept of money, and wanted to make sure that his family and friends were taken care of financially after being freed from slavery. So, he started his own insurance company in the late 1800s, and the Atlanta Life Insurance Company is still the largest Black-owned stock holding business in America. Herndon was also a barber, and became one of Atlanta's premier barbers after opening his own shop in 1878.

Herndon's first wife, Adrienne, was exceptionally talented and educated as well. She was the head of Dramatics at Atlanta University, and contributed to the success of her husband's insurance company. The couple had a son, Jesse, who learned about the insurance business quickly as well.

Presently, the Herndon Home is a museum and educational resource for Atlanta residents and visitors. Due to the success of the insurance company, Herndon Home is a beautiful estate that is still managed by descendants of the Herndon Home.

Sweet Auburn District

The Sweet Auburn District is one of the oldest and most well-known areas of Atlanta. Not far from this entertainment and music city center is the birth home of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. The area was named 'Sweet Auburn' was created by Atlanta great John Wesley Dobbs, since he believed Auburn was the "sweetest Negro street in the world." Jazz greats such as Duke Ellington and Lena Horne performed at places like the Top Hat Club in the district, and the Royal Peacock Club was often home to blues guitar player B.B. King, and Atlanta native Gladys Knight.

Today, Sweet Auburn is an eclectic and artistic part of the city of Atlanta, with great shops, restaurants that serve southern cuisine, and great places for entertainers and artists to showcase their work.

Apex Museum

The Apex Museum is located in South Atlanta, and showcases some of the first businesses and inventions created and founded by African-Americans in Atlanta. The feature exhibit at the Apex is a replica of Atlanta's first Black-owned pharmacy, Yates and Milton. In the early 1900s, these two men opened the drug store in their Atlanta neighborhood to provide groceries, medication, and post office services for African-American residents. There are also pictures and exhibits depicted other important figures in Black history, such as Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, Count Basie, and Miles Davis. The museum is a great field trip for Atlanta students, and the museum staff host community events on site as well.

Atlanta is still home to a number of successful African-American businessmen and women, who are following a legacy of independent, intelligent, creative, and professional Black leaders of the past. From restaurants to museums, Atlanta has much to offer as a great place to learn about Black history.