There’s no doubt that celebrating the remarkable contributions of the Black community throughout U.S. history is an endeavor that requires more than one month. However, Black History Month is an opportunity to commemorate the rich heritage of Black people past and present in Augusta. Here are eight ways to experience history this month. 

VISIT A HISTORICAL SITE 

Springfield Village Park 
Augusta, Georgia is home to Springfield Village Park –– a site dedicated to the history of the Springfield Community, an integral part of African American history in Georgia. During the Revolution, a large population of free African Americans settled in Springfield by 1787. They established the Springfield Baptist Church there, one of the oldest independent black congregations in the United States.

Amanda America Dickson Toomer Marker & Home
Heiress and socialite Amanda America Dickson Toomer was, in her time, the wealthiest African American woman in Georgia, and one of the wealthiest women in the United States. Her father David Dickson died in 1885 and left all of his property, over 15,000 acres of land in Hancock and Washington Counties as well as his personal possessions and money, together they estimated at slightly over $300,000. She moved to Augusta, Georgia before the town mandated residential segregation by race and purchased a large brick home at 484 Telfair Street, in the most prominent neighborhood in the city.

TAKE A TOUR

The Golden Blocks Tour
Learning more about how the Black community has played a crucial role in shaping the city’s history and culture can be done in a number of ways, but a walking tour guided by one of the city’s renowned historians is among one of the best. Take the tour of the Golden Blocks with the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History.

Black History Tour 
The impact of Augusta’s Black community spans far beyond the Golden Blocks and can be discovered throughout the city. Enjoy a bike tour day or night full of notable African-American locations in Augusta via Bike Bike Baby. Take the Black History Tour or the Soul Tour for a learning experience like no other.  

SEE AN EXHIBIT 

Visit a Museum 
The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History is a treasure trove of knowledge, historical lessons, and community offerings, carrying on the legacy of Ms. Laney for this generation and beyond. See the museum's online offerings while renovations are underway. Augusta Museum of History is also offering programming and exhibits during the month. 

PURCHASE & READ BOOKS BY BLACK AUTHORS 

Shop Black Authors
During Black History Month and beyond, The Book Tavern offers an array of books by local and national Black authors. This is an opportunity to also purchase books that also provide additional knowledge about the Black experience. Visit to view some essential reads if you’re looking for a way to learn more or support Black authors this month.  

SUPPORT BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES 

Shop Black-Owned Businesses
According to Bloomberg, Black-owned businesses are crucial to growing the American economy and are seeing a surge due to multiple factors, including business opportunities arising from the Buy Black movement that started last year. Continuing to support this initiative is a great way to make a notable contribution during Black History Month. See a list of local Black-owned businesses here.   

 

BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS