Well, we figured it would have to be in the South. Although it is trending away from it, most Black Americans live in the South, aside from Detroit, which is the only city north of the Mason-Dixon line.
Some cities are predominantly Black in every way, from population and history to culture. These cities have a unique history, culture, and way of life. Let’s explore four of the blackest cities in America.
Atlanta
Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, has about 6 million people, of which about 40% are Black. It is popularly known as the “Black Mecca” and has a rich history, playing an essential role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and the Civil War.
It houses the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, one of the most important figures in the Black struggle, and an extensive collection of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
It’s the home of R&B and hip-hop. It is the center of Black entertainment, style, art, and, of course, hair. Generally, it is a beautiful and welcoming place for Black visitors.
Harlem, N.Y.C.
Although not a city itself, Harlem is one of the blackest neighborhoods in America. With a population of 68.7 thousand people, Harlem is 61.1% Black. The Black population of Harlem snowballed between 1920 and 1930, with central Harlem being predominantly Black by 1920 and the migration from the West Indies and the Southern United States making up the rest by 1930.
Harlem, located in Upper Manhattan and referred to as the Black capital of America, has a rich culture of beautiful music, birthing many R&B groups and notable writers. The community has also hosted a couple of actors and was the location for the office of former President Bill Clinton.
It is a destination of choice for many people seeking to appreciate Blackness and see firsthand the rich, multi-ethnic culture of Black Americans.
Detroit
African Americans living in Detroit accounted for 79.1% of the total population. When Coleman A. Young became the first Black mayor following the 1967 riots, leaving many people dead, he began developing the Black political power structure that would see Black control of Detroit until 2014. Between those iconic moments, there was no city in America where an African American could be more comfortable in their lifestyle and culture than Detroit.
Detroit is also the birthplace of Motown Records, whose chart-topping history is exhibited at their original headquarters, Hitsville U.S.A.
The Motown Museum is enriched with fabulous pieces that guide you through the music of Motown, where many famous Soul singers started their journeys.
Washington, DC
As of 2021, records show that 46.31% of the entire population is African American. Like these other cities, this racial concentration in D.C. did not start recently.
From the time Washington D.C. was named the capital of America, Blacks have been a significant part of it. Although most of them were slaves, they still made up about 25% of the entire population.
The contributions of Blacks in D.C. towards the growth of the Black community in the U.S. were significant. Through unions, they contributed to the emancipation of slaves and were instrumental in securing the right to vote. But aside from their political contributions, the socio-cultural scene in D.C. is influenced by its Black residents.
There is no part of Black culture that this city hasn’t touched, influenced, created, lent voice to, fought for, or fought against. Washington D.C. has its own language, lifestyle, attitude, and food.
If you want to learn more about Black life in the United States, you only need to visit Florida Avenue Northwest and chit-chat with an old head. And if D.C. were the only city left in this world, the story of Black America’s history would remain unscathed. After all, it’s all held in the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
There are cultural and social influences that come from having a predominantly Black population. These influences can be seen in art, music, language, and food. As a Black traveler, there is nothing like visiting a place where you can fit in every way.
These Black cities are home away from home, and if you’d like to experience these cities in all their shades of Black, reach out to us today. For a truly immersive experience, consider staying at a Black-owned property during your visit. Check out our article on Black-owned hotels and inns for recommendations on where to stay.
