Celebrate Mobile’s unique Black history—soul food, Africatown, Mardi Gras + more

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Since 1976, February has been designated as Black History Month. As a city with a rich culture, Mobile has a full schedule of events, plus attractions and organizations to commemorate African-American leaders.

Keep reading for reasons you should visit Mobile this month (and every month) to celebrate Black history.

1. Black History Month events in Mobile

Mobile’s Parks and Recreation department has a full lineup of events to honor Black History Month:

• Soul Food Night Cooking Class
• Wellness + Resource Fair
• Fitness Class
• Art appreciation
• “History in the Making” talent show

All events are aligned with the 2024 Black History Month theme: “African Americans and the Arts.”

2. Africatown Heritage House

Africatown Heritage House tells the story of Africatown—a community founded by the survivors of the Clotilda.

If you aren’t familiar with Clotilda, here’s the rundown.

Clotilda is recognized as the last known U.S. slave ship. In 1860, the Clotilda rolled into Mobile Bay carrying 110 African men, women and children on board. When they arrived, they were separated and sold to slave dealers across the state. Those who survived enslavement created a community of their own—Africatown.

Africatown Heritage House features a Clotilda exhibit that lays out the journey of the enslaved—offering insight into the strength of the community of Africatown.

Fun fact: Africatown Heritage House was recently recognized in USA TODAY’s “2024 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award” as one of the 10 Best New Museums.

3. Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail

The Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail (DFFAAHT) is a chance to see landmarks such as Creole Fire Station and MLB star Satchel Paige’s childhood home.

Mrs. Dora Franklin Finley spent five years of her life doing research and designing DFFAAHT. This trail shares stories of resilience, achievements and other relevant moments that took place in Mobile. According to Mrs. Franklin Finley herself, this historic trail was developed to highlight Mobile’s valuable history.

“I leave a legacy of an African-American historic trail that is illuminated by stories of ‘courageous contributors’ recognizing their determination and struggle for the inspiration and triumph of all generations to come.”

Dorothy Franklin Finley, via DFFAAHT’s website

We spoke to Eric Finley, DFFAAHT tour director and Dora Franklin Finley’s cousin, about how locals and visitors can all learn something on the tour.

“I have done these tours with teachers that taught school for 20 to 25 years, and they take the tour, and they say, ‘Oh my goodness. I’ve been here all my life and did not know about some of the history that you presented.'”

Eric Finley, Tour Director, DFFAAHT

4. Historical Avenue Cultural Center

The Historical Avenue Cultural Center has become one of Mobile’s most cherished landscapes.

The building served as an education center for the city’s Black community and in 1992, it was transformed into the National African-American Archives. Flash forward to 2018 and the building received renovations, and officially reopened in October of 2023 as the beautiful cultural center it is today.

I know you’re already planning your trip, so let me go ahead and tell you—”REMEMBERING THE AVENUE” exhibit is currently on display at the Historical Avenue Cultural Center until December 2024.

5. Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association

Surely I’m not the first to tell you… Mardi Gras began in Mobile. The Port City shows up and shows out for Mardi Gras, and rightfully so.

Behind all the vibrant floats and costumes is the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association (MAMGA). Serving as Mobile’s premiere African-American Mardi Gras parading organization, MAMGA has supported Mobile’s growth and preserve culture for 85 years.

How do they do this? By organizing grand parades (with a Royal Court), elegant balls and community events that captivate both locals and visitors—and they’ve been doing it since 1938!

Eric, aside from being a tour director for DFFAAHT, is also a former President and current Public Relations Director of MAMGA. He let us in on why this organization crowns a Royal Court.

“We wanted to have a formal event that young African Americans could feel like they were kings and queens. We (MAMGA) serve as mentors and encourage them.”

Eric Finley, Tour Director, DFFAAHT

The museums, parades and other events around Mobile allow locals and visitors to explore the deep cultural history of the city—a history made possible by contributions of African Americans across the world.

Ready to book your trip? Check out Visit Mobile’s calendar of events for a full list of plans to celebrate Black History Month.

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