8 Places in Pensacola to Honor and Celebrate Black History
This vacation hotspot might be best known for its sugar-white beaches and turquoise water, but its postcard beauty belies a rich and diverse history.
African American History
Pensacola boasts more than 460 years of history with heavy African American influences from its very beginning in 1559.
Pensacola’s African American culture has its strongest roots in the Belmont-DeVilliers district of Downtown Pensacola. Back in the day, Louis Armstrong, James Brown, Ray Charles, B.B. King, and Aretha Franklin performed in local nightclubs as they toured the “Chitlin’ Circuit.” A historic marker designates this area as an official stop on the Mississippi Blues Trail, celebrating its musical legacy.
The Belmont-DeVilliers neighborhood has experienced a resurgence in recent years and is now home to Five Sister’s Blues Café and beloved neighborhood eateries, including Blue Dot BBQ and The Dwarf Chicken Stand. Commemorate your visit by snapping a photo in front of one of the outdoor murals illustrating the area’s rich history.
Take a tour of Historic Pensacola Village to see Julee Cottage, the home of Julee Panton, a free black businesswoman who worked to help slaves gain their freedom. A visit to the Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center allows you to listen to stories from the past and learn about the diverse influences that shaped our city. Nearby you’ll find the Chappie James Museum which honors Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James, Jr., the first African American four-star general in the U.S. Air Force.
Beachgoers to Gulf Islands National Seashore on Perdido Key can learn about the cultural significance of Johnson Beach. This pristine stretch of beach is named in honor of Pvt. Rosamond Johnson, who died at the young age of 17 while rescuing three fellow soldiers in Korea. At the time of Johnson’s death, this beach was the only beach park in Escambia County designated for black use. Today, it is enjoyed by all and was recognized by USA Today as the No. 2 National Park Beach in 2016.
As you explore Pensacola, you’ll find traces of its African-American heritage everywhere. The highlighted experiences below are a great place to start planning your itinerary.
Learn More
An Insider’s Look at Black History Month in Pensacola
This gives me (and so many of my friends) the chance to celebrate and reflect on the beautiful and strong history of African-Americans in Pensacola.
A Melting Pot of Multicultural Experiences
Our cultural jambalaya of flavors – Native American, African, Latin, European and Asian – adds to the richness of our shared heritage.
Museums
While visitors flock to Pensacola for fun in the sun, there's a wealth of fascinating history and culture to discover in the community’s diverse museums. Be sure to head inland and experience almost 500 years of history and culture surrounding our beautiful beaches.
Museums & Historic Sites
General Daniel Chappie James Museum of Pensacola, Inc.
1606 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Dr. Pensacola, FL 32503 (850) 542-4721
Fort Pickens — Gulf Islands National Seashore
1400 Fort Pickens Road Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 (850) 934-2600
Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center
117 E Government St Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 595-5840
