Boston is widely recognized for its colonial heritage and strong Irish influences, but the city also has a deep and powerful Black history that has shaped its culture and identity. From its critical role in the abolitionist movement to being home to influential Black leaders like Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Boston is filled with important sites that highlight African American resilience, creativity, and contributions to the city.
Collin Knight, a local tour guide and founder of Live Like a Local Tours, is on a mission to bring attention to Boston’s rich Black history. “When we look at downtown, the city’s Eurocentric history is being glorified each and every day,” Knight explains. “They’re not really talking about Native Americans and African Americans and their plight within this country and Boston’s connection to slavery.”
If you want to experience Boston’s African American culture and history, here are five must-visit places that offer a deeper understanding of the city’s Black heritage.
The Museum of African American History
46 Joy Street, Boston, MA 02114
Located on Beacon Hill, the Museum of African American History is the largest institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating New England’s African American history. The museum operates in two historic buildings—the Abiel Smith School, the first school built for Black children in Boston, and the African Meeting House, the oldest Black church in the United States.
These buildings were central to Boston’s Black community in the 19th century, serving as gathering places for abolitionists like Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison. Visitors can explore exhibits on the Underground Railroad, early Black education, and the city’s long history of activism.
Nubian Square & Nubian Markets
2565 Washington Street, Roxbury, MA 02119
Nubian Square, formerly known as Dudley Square, is the cultural and commercial heart of Boston’s Black community. In recent years, it has been revitalized as a hub for African American businesses, art, and culture.
One of the highlights of Nubian Square is Nubian Markets, a vibrant marketplace and café offering African and Caribbean cuisine, as well as a selection of locally sourced products. Whether you’re enjoying a plate of jollof rice or shopping for handcrafted goods, this space celebrates the flavors and creativity of Boston’s Black community.
National Center for Afro-American Artists (NCAAA)
300 Walnut Avenue, Roxbury, MA 02119
For art lovers, the National Center for Afro-American Artists (NCAAA) is a must-visit. Founded in 1968 by artist and educator Dr. Elma Lewis, the center is dedicated to showcasing the work of Black artists from around the world.
One of its most famous works is “Eternal Presence”, a striking sculpture by John Wilson that stands outside the museum. Inside, visitors can explore paintings, sculptures, and multimedia exhibits that reflect the African American experience, both past and present.
Malcolm X’s Childhood Home
72 Dale Street, Roxbury, MA 02119
Malcolm X, one of the most influential figures in the Civil Rights Movement, spent part of his youth in Boston. His childhood home in Roxbury remains a significant site for those interested in his early life and the experiences that shaped his activism.
Although the house is a private residence and not open for tours, a walk through the surrounding neighborhood gives a glimpse into the environment that influenced Malcolm X. Nearby, the Malcolm X – Ella Little-Collins House has been designated a historic landmark, with efforts underway to preserve it as a museum in the future.
The Black Heritage Trail
Starts at 46 Joy Street, Boston, MA 02114
While the Freedom Trail is well-known for its Revolutionary War landmarks, the Black Heritage Trail tells the equally important story of Boston’s 19th-century African American community. This self-guided walking tour passes through Beacon Hill, where many free Black families and formerly enslaved individuals lived.
The trail includes significant sites such as:
- The African Meeting House, where Frederick Douglass once spoke
- The Lewis and Harriet Hayden House, a stop on the Underground Railroad
- The Phillips School, an early integrated school in Boston
Guided tours are available through the National Park Service, providing deeper insights into Boston’s role in the fight for racial justice.
Boston’s African American history is rich and deeply woven into the fabric of the city. Whether you’re exploring historic landmarks, engaging with contemporary Black culture, or supporting Black-owned businesses, these sites offer meaningful ways to connect with Boston’s Black heritage.
For visitors and locals alike, stepping beyond the usual tourist attractions and into these cultural spaces helps paint a fuller picture of Boston’s past and present—one that honors the resilience, contributions, and ongoing legacy of its African American community.
So next time you’re in Boston, take a step off the Freedom Trail and explore these important sites. You’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation of the city’s untold history and the people who helped shape it.
