Hue Knew…Black History in Florida Is a Journey You Can Walk Into

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Written By New Hue Media

Florida’s Black history is not confined to archives or classrooms. It is embedded in coastlines, towns, homes, and theaters that still stand today—inviting travelers to experience stories of freedom, resilience, creativity, and leadership where they actually happened. This guide traces a thoughtfully curated path across the state, offering historically accurate context and direct links so readers can plan meaningful visits that turn learning into a lived experience.

Fort Mose Historic State Park

St. Augustine, Florida

Long before the United States existed, Fort Mose—originally Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose—was established in 1738 as the first legally sanctioned free Black settlement in what is now the U.S. Enslaved Africans who escaped British colonies were granted freedom here by the Spanish Crown, forming a fortified community that defended both liberty and territory.

Today, visitors can explore the museum, interpretive exhibits, and scenic boardwalks overlooking the marshlands where freedom was once protected by force and faith.

Kingsley Plantation

Jacksonville (Fort George Island), Florida

Kingsley Plantation, part of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, presents one of Florida’s most complex historical landscapes. The site preserves the stories of enslaved Africans whose labor sustained plantation life, while also confronting the contradictions of early Florida society.

The grounds include the plantation house, kitchen house, and remains of slave quarters, all contextualized through National Park Service interpretation that encourages honest reflection rather than romanticization.

American Beach NaNa Sand Dune

Amelia Island, Florida

Founded in 1935, American Beach was created as a safe and welcoming seaside destination for Black families during segregation. It became a symbol of dignity, leisure, and community. The NaNa Sand Dune—named after A.L. Lewis’s grandmother—remains a powerful physical reminder of Black self-determination in travel and recreation.

The site is preserved through the National Park Service as part of the Timucuan Preserve.

Ritz Theatre and Museum

Jacksonville, Florida

Located in the historic LaVilla neighborhood—once known as the “Harlem of the South”—the Ritz Theatre and Museum preserves the cultural, musical, and civic contributions of African Americans in Northeast Florida. LaVilla was a center for jazz, business, and Black political life, hosting legends such as Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald.

The Ritz remains an active cultural institution, blending historical exhibits with live performances.

Official website:
https://theritz.jaxevents.com/

Mary McLeod Bethune Home

Daytona Beach, Florida

Known as “The Retreat,” the home of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune stands as a testament to Black women’s leadership in education and civil rights. Bethune founded what is now Bethune-Cookman University and advised multiple U.S. presidents, shaping national policy while rooted in Florida.

Visitors can tour the restored home and gravesite on the university campus.

Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts

Eatonville is one of the most well-known historically Black towns in the United States, founded and governed by African Americans. The Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts honors the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance writer who called Eatonville home, while showcasing contemporary artists of African descent.

This stop offers both literary history and vibrant modern culture.

Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Memorial Park

Mims, Florida

Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore were pioneering civil rights activists and educators in Florida. Their memorial park and museum honor their advocacy for voting rights, equal pay for Black teachers, and justice during the Jim Crow era.

The site includes a museum, walking trails, and educational programming designed for reflection and remembrance.

Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater

Miami (Overtown), Florida

Built in 1913, the Historic Lyric Theater anchors Miami’s Overtown neighborhood, once known as “Little Broadway.” Today, The Black Archives preserves South Florida’s African American history through exhibitions, performances, and community engagement.

This site connects Black migration, music, entrepreneurship, and modern cultural preservation.

Plan the Journey Statewide

For travelers seeking a comprehensive roadmap, the Florida Department of State maintains the Florida Black Heritage Trail, a statewide guide connecting dozens of historic sites across regions.

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