Highland Beach, Maryland, founded in 1893 by Charles Douglass, son of Frederick Douglass, offers solace and community for African Americans amid segregation. It’s a refuge from Jim Crow laws, attracting prominent figures and fostering unity through schools and churches. Beyond leisure, it’s a hub for civil rights activism, shaping the fight for equality. Today, its preservation reflects African American resilience and the pursuit of freedom.

Explore the tradition of rent parties during the Great Migration, where communities came together in homes for jazz and blues performances to help cover rent, fostering cultural expression and resistance against racial segregation and economic inequality. Celebrate their enduring impact on African American communities, highlighting resilience, creativity, and collective strength.

Learn about Suburban Gardens Amusement Park, a special place for Black families during segregation. In the 1920s, when America was divided, this park was a place for fun and unity for Black people. Despite racism, it became a center for music and Black-owned businesses. Although it closed in the 1960s, its memory shows how strong and creative Black communities were during tough times.

(Courtesy of Scurlock Studio Records/Archives Center/National Museum of American History/Smithsonian Institution)

In the aftermath of the Civil War, the first Memorial Day took place on May 1, 1865, in Charleston, South Carolina. Led by formerly enslaved individuals and missionaries, the gathering honored fallen Union soldiers, particularly African American, buried in a former Confederate prison. This solemn act transformed a site of suffering into a sacred space of remembrance, symbolizing defiance against oppression and affirming the humanity of all who fought for freedom. Today, we recognize this historic Memorial Day as a testament to African American resilience and the ongoing quest for justice and equality.

The migration of African Americans to Samana, Dominican Republic, stands as a remarkable chapter in the African diaspora. Fleeing racial oppression, settlers found refuge and opportunity in Samana’s lush landscapes, creating a vibrant community rooted in agriculture and cultural exchange. Despite challenges, their journey reflects resilience, determination, and the universal quest for a better life beyond borders.

The tradition of family reunions, born from emancipation’s aftermath, symbolizes resilience and unity amid slavery’s scars. Despite daunting challenges, formerly enslaved individuals sought connection, forging bonds that transcended past traumas. These gatherings affirm humanity and echo broader struggles for equality, showcasing the enduring strength of African American culture in the quest for freedom and restoration.

Discover the complex history of Urban Renewal, a mid-20th-century initiative led by Robert Moses to revitalize cities. However, its impact extended beyond physical transformation, causing forced displacements and perpetuating racial inequities. Moses’s discriminatory practices, exemplified by projects like the Cross Bronx Expressway, left lasting scars on communities. Confronting this legacy is crucial for advocating inclusive urban planning and addressing the enduring impact of past injustices.