Leon County Celebrates Black History Month: A Legacy of Trailblazing and Resilience in the American Story

As the nation marks its semiquincentennial through the America250 initiative, Leon County Government celebrates Black History Month 2026 by honoring the triumphs and cultural legacy of Black Americans who have shaped the American journey. From the 1865 reading of the Emancipation Proclamation at the Knott House to the modern influence of world-class artists and entrepreneurs, Leon County serves as an authentic destination for experiencing the depth of African American history and its essential role in the story of the United States.

Florida Emancipation and the American Quest for Liberty
Leon County stands at the forefront of the fight for freedom and equality, representing a pivotal chapter in the national narrative of America 250. On May 20, 1865, the Emancipation Proclamation was first read in Florida on the steps of the Knott House in downtown Tallahassee, marking the official end of slavery in the state. This historic moment occurred nearly a month before news reached Texas on June 19.

Decades later, the 1956 Tallahassee Bus Boycott, led by Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) students,  further solidified Tallahassee’s role as a catalyst for progress. Visitors can walk the Soul Voices of Frenchtown trail to hear stories from one of Tallahassee’s oldest African American communities or visit The Grove Museum, which offers specialized tours throughout February focused on local Black history and the civil rights leadership of Gov. LeRoy Collins.

A Featured Stop on the America250FL Road Trip
The John G. Riley Center & Museum for African American History and Culture has gained statewide recognition as an official stop on the America250FL Road Trip. As the only Black history site in Tallahassee featured on this official state itinerary, the Riley House serves as a vital landmark for travelers. A dedicated historic marker at the site commemorates the museum’s role in preserving the legacy of the historic Smokey Hollow neighborhood, inviting visitors to explore Tallahassee’s unique and foundational contributions to the nation’s 250-year journey.

Modern Trailblazers and Educational Excellence
Founded in 1887, Florida A&M University remains a national leader in education and culture. This year, the community celebrates Oluwamodupe “Dupe” Oloyede, who made history as the first female head drum major of the FAMU Marching 100.

The campus is also home to the Meek-Eaton Black Archives Research Center & Museum, one of only 10 Black archives in the nation. The preservation of this history extends to downtown Tallahassee with the Union Bank Museum. Originally constructed in 1830 and later used as a Freedmen's Savings and Trust Company, it is Florida’s oldest surviving bank building and a symbol of Black economic resilience. For those tracing their own lineage, the Tallahassee African American Genealogical Society (TAAGS) provides valuable research resources and hosts monthly meetings at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church.

Today, the Civil Rights Heritage Sidewalk on Jefferson Street honors the local "trailblazers" whose courage transformed the community. This narrative is further expanded at the Civil Rights Timeline near the AC Hotel at Cascades Park, offering a powerful chronological look at the milestones of the movement. That legacy continues today through Tallahassee’s arts, music, and culinary communities.

Music Heritage and Artistic Landscapes
Tallahassee’s arts scene continues to elevate Black voices through galleries, landmarks and public spaces. Many Black History Month experiences are offered in partnership with local cultural institutions, historically Black organizations and community leaders:

• Music Legends: The Adderley Amphitheater at Cascades Park honors soul-jazz pioneers and Tallahassee natives Julian “Cannonball” and Nat Adderley. The city’s musical impact is further recognized through recent honorary street designations that celebrate icons in their childhood neighborhoods. These include George Clinton Way (a portion of Dade Street in Frenchtown), honoring the “Architect of P-Funk,” and T-Pain Lane (a portion of Pasco Street), celebrating the global influence of the Grammy-winning Tallahassee native.
• LeMoyne Arts: The gallery continues its tradition of highlighting Black excellence, featuring works by local and regional African American artists throughout the month.
• QZ Design Gallery: Owned by FAMU alumna Quia Atkinson, showcases contemporary mixed-media art that has earned recognition statewide.

Culinary Institutions and Entrepreneurship
Leon County’s local economy is shaped by Black-owned businesses that have become community landmarks. Olean’s Cafe and Earley’s Kitchen have served as pillars of Southern hospitality for more than 40 years, while Barb’s Brittles, led by Florida State University alumna Barbara McGarrah, has thrived for a quarter-century. Modern innovators continue this legacy, with both Chef Sam Burgess of Pineappetit and Chef Dwaynye "Chef D" Rolle of Halisi Africa recently earning national attention on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Their respective fusions of Caribbean flavors and authentic African cuisine have put a national spotlight on Tallahassee’s vibrant and diverse food scene.

Plan Your Visit
In this milestone year for the United States, Leon County invites residents and visitors to explore heritage sites, Black-owned restaurants, and curated cultural itineraries. Tallahassee stands as a place where travelers can find the true, foundational narratives of the Black experience in the South, reflecting 250 years of the American spirit. For more information on Black History Month events and resources, visit VisitTallahassee.com or follow Visit Tallahassee on Instagram and Facebook.

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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 charged with marketing Tallahassee-Leon County as a premier leisure, business and sports destination through direct sales, advertising, public relations, sports and visitor services. The Capital of Cross Country, Tallahassee-Leon County is home to the internationally recognized cross country course at Apalachee Regional Park, the host for the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships. In 2025 Tallahassee-Leon County welcomed 2.6 million visitors who contributed $1.4 Billion in economic impact and accounts for more than 12,000 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 and Instagram or visit us at the Leon County Visitor Information Center and Gift Shop located in at 414 E. Bloxham Street, Suite 115, Tallahassee, FL 32301.