Preserving African American Heritage and History

African American heritage sites have borne witness to tragedy and triumph. They tell the story of American icons including Duke Ellington, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Zora Neale Hurston. In addition to these icons, there are special places around the country where millions of Black people made memories and fought for civil rights.

The Conservation Fund is working with local communities and partners to identify and protect these important places, such as segregation-era African American beaches, or commemorating the men and women who risked their lives to desegregate interstate bus travel and highlighting the resting points along the historic voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.

For example, through our Civil Rights People and Places initiative we’re collaborating with partners in cities and rural communities across Alabama’s Black Belt region to protect important civil rights sites, share the area’s history and find opportunities for economic growth for local communities.

Preserving Black history and African American cultural sites goes beyond safeguarding physical structures; it is an embodiment of resilience, a testament to the unyielding spirit of a community that has endured centuries of discrimination and injustice.

If we don’t protect these sites, they may be lost and forgotten — and an important part of America’s history and heritage along with them. We must act urgently to identify, protect, partner with local groups and preserve these special locations — forever.