For travelers seeking a place with profound historical significance in African American heritage, the Richmond Region (RVA) stands out as a must-visit destination. Here, visitors can experience Black history and culture firsthand, from walking tours to museums and monuments honoring the contributions of Black Virginians.
The Richmond Region is home to national landmark sites like the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia—one of the first sites added to UNESCO’s Network of Places of History and Memory—and the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood, once known as the “Harlem of the South.” There’s also the Trail of Enslaved Africans, the Emancipation and Freedom Monument, and the Slavery Reconciliation Statue, all of which provide a sobering yet essential look at the region’s involvement in the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
“The Richmond Region offers the opportunity to explore Black history in a way that’s authentic, reflective and forward-looking,” said Katherine O’Donnell, president and CEO of Richmond Region Tourism. “From historic landmarks to modern cultural initiatives, our region invites visitors to connect with stories of resilience, creativity, and progress.”
Thanks to community programs like BLK RVA, which celebrated its fifth anniversary in August 2024, the Richmond Region is more dedicated than ever to showcasing the people, places and spaces that highlight the Black experience in the Richmond Region. BLK RVA’s success is a testament to the authenticity and growth of the region’s Black culture.
“Travelers who want to experience Black history firsthand should put the Richmond Region on their bucket list,” says Tameka Jefferson, Community Relations and Diversity Program Manager at Richmond Region Tourism. “There’s no better place to celebrate Black History Month than in the place where so much of it happened and where we continue to uplift and amplify our incredible Black culture.”
