Host City: Mobile, Alabama
“African American Cultural Heritage”
Welcome to Mobile, a city where the echoes of over 300 years of stories, culture, and traditions come alive and th official home of the Miss Juneteenth America Scholarshp Pageantry Program! As one of the oldest cities on the Gulf Coast, Mobile proudly celebrates its rich African-American cultural heritage, which is an integral part of our past, present, and future. Get ready for an unforgettable journey as we invite you to explore the heart and soul of our historic coastal town!
Endless Adventures Await!
No matter where you turn, excitement is just around the corner. Mobile offers a treasure trove of fun, entertaining, and educational experiences year-round! From vibrant festivals to lively performances, there’s always something happening in our charming city.
Step Into History!
Take a stroll along the African American Heritage Trail, where you’ll uncover Mobile’s multicultural legacy. With over forty historic sites to explore, you’ll be amazed by the stories and memories that shape our community. Don’t miss the captivating exhibits like the “History of Colored Carnival,” which celebrates the rich traditions of our local festivities, or the poignant account of the Clotilda—the last known illegal slave ship to dock in Mobile Bay in 1860. This incredible journey brings you closer to the descendants of the survivors who still proudly call Africatown home, just a few miles north of downtown.
Join us in celebrating the vibrant history and culture that make Mobile a truly special place. We can’t wait to welcome you and share our stories with you! Experience the magic of Mobile—where history, culture, and fun come together in perfect harmony. See you soon!
Explore Mobile
Africantown Heritage House
The Africatown Heritage House immerses visitors in the poignant narrative of the transatlantic journey to and from Africa, resurrecting the lives of the 110 captives. Exhibiting artifacts salvaged from the charred and sunken shipwreck, the museum invites contemplation on a history steeped in fortitude, hope, and tenacity, which coalesced to shape a community of unparalleled significance and endurance. This evocative experience serves as a testament to the enduring spirit that thrived amidst adversity, fostering a legacy of unity and resilience that remains unmatched in its profound impact on both the past and present.
Historic Avenue Cultural Center
The Historic Avenue Cultural Center debuted on October 4, 2023, featuring “Remembering the Avenue,” a community-engaging exhibit curated by Jada Jones under the Alabama Contemporary Art Center’s Guest Curator Program. This initiative mobilizes locals to chart the past, present, and potential destinies of Davis Avenue. Formerly the Davis Avenue Branch of the Mobile Public Library, the site, modeled after the Ben May Library, holds a storied past. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1983, it transitioned from a Black library during segregation to the National African American Archives & Museum.
Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail
The late Dora Franklin Finley always began her tales with, “You can’t know where you are going unless you know where you’ve been.” She envisioned the Dora Franklin Finley African American Heritage Trail as a conduit to showcase African American contributions to Mobile. The trail, with 40 points of interest marked with historical plaques, introduces visitors to significant locations like Africatown, Stone Street Baptist Church (established in 1807), and key figures such as Betty Hunter. Tours led by Africatown storytellers offer insights into Mobile’s African American history through walking, driving, and boat tours, providing a rich tapestry of cultural contributions.
Unity Point Park
In downtown Mobile’s compact triangular park stands a statue honoring civil rights leader John LeFlore and former mayor Joseph Langan. Their collaboration in the 1950s and ’60s led to the desegregation of city buses, police, and local institutions. LeFlore, a postman who co-founded the NAACP Mobile chapter in 1925, tirelessly championed civil rights until his passing in 1976. Langan, a proponent of African-American voting rights in the 1940s and a lifelong advocate for equal opportunities, supported LeFlore in their shared quest for equality and justice. This monument commemorates their impactful partnership in advancing social progress and racial harmony.