Leon County proudly celebrates Black History Month in its bicentennial year. The Tallahassee-Leon County Bicentennial serves as a pivotal moment to acknowledge the immense triumphs, aspirations and ambitions of Black Americans.
Filled with unwavering perseverance, remarkable achievements, and a cultural legacy spanning art, music, literature, architecture, sports, science and beyond, Tallahassee-Leon County pays homage to Black history not just in February but throughout the year, recognizing the contributions of trailblazing individuals, historical sites and movements that have profoundly shaped society.
From revered civil rights luminaries such as Rev. C.K. Steele, Wilhelmina Jakes, and Carrie Patterson to pioneering black business leaders like George Proctor — a freed slave whose architectural prowess graces some of Tallahassee’s most cherished homes — the indelible impact of these leaders resonates deeply within Leon County.
Riley Center & Museum
The iconic John G. Riley Center and Museum, a treasured entity listed on the National Register of Historic Places, stands as a poignant reminder in downtown Tallahassee, harkening back to the vibrant African American neighborhood of Smokey Hollow, which once thrived across the present-day Cascades Park area.