Boston Travel Guide: Things To Do To Celebrate Black Culture and Support Black-Owned Businesses in Boston – Episode 177
Boston is a vibrant hub for Black culture. Discover many Black-owned businesses in Boston and plenty of activities focusing on Black history, culture, and heritage.
When you think of Boston, what comes to mind? Perhaps The Boston Tea Party, The Freedom Trail, clam chowder, Fenway Park, The Celtics Basketball team, Samuel Adams (the beer company), or Paul Revere’s famous saying: “The British are coming.” Despite visiting a few times, my experience before my recent trip to Boston was limited. Those trips were mainly about visiting family and friends, but this time was different. This was my first time truly exploring Boston.
It’s important to acknowledge that Boston has a history of mistreating People of Color. Racial segregation and the turbulent busing crisis of the 1970s have contributed to racial disparities in housing, education, and economic development. However, Boston is evolving.
Boston is a diverse and welcoming city with 23 unique neighborhoods to explore. History is in the making here as Black artists, chefs, creatives, and entrepreneurs work to preserve Black history and share their cultures and traditions.
Discover Boston’s Black history, from the courageous individuals who fought to abolish slavery to the thriving Black-owned businesses shaping the city today. Immerse yourself in its vibrant community with these top things to do in Boston.
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Thank you, Meet Boston, for partnering with me on this episode. All opinions expressed are my own.
Black Walking Tours in Boston
1. Live Like a Local Tours Boston
If you want to explore beyond downtown, take a guided walking tour with Collin Knight from Live Like a Local Tours Boston to experience the food, history, and culture of Boston neighborhoods like Roxbury, Dorchester, and Jamaica Plain.
When I travel, I like to eat and drink like a local, so exploring Roxbury, one of Boston’s historically Black neighborhoods since the 1960s, with a passionate Roxbury native was a treat.
While we booked the Nubian Square Walking Tour, you can also go on a Roxbury food and distillery tour or a food and brew tour.
On the tour, we learned about Roxbury’s layered history and how its diverse Black, Latin American, and Caribbean residents shaped the cultural identity of this neighborhood.
Our tour guide, Collin Knight, founder of Live Like a Local Boston Tours, shared how Black activists and Civil Rights Movement leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X impacted the community while living in Roxbury.
In fact, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. considered Boston his second home. It’s the city where he met his wife, Coretta Scott King, earned his Ph.D. in theology, and led the historic Boston March in 1965.
Collin explained how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. attended seminary school at Boston University in the 1950s. He frequently preached at the Twelfth Baptist Church in Roxbury as its assistant minister, where he eventually met his wife.
While the Twelfth Baptist Church no longer stands, Collin took us to a mural of Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King called “Roxbury Love Story” (2020).
This mural, which depicts Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King on the phone, commemorates their time in Boston: their meeting, union, and legacy.
Want to see street art in Boston?
Collin took us to several murals, like “Faces of Dudley” (1995), which celebrates well-known and lesser-known leaders of the Roxbury community, like Melnea Cass and Bruce Bolling.
My favorite mural is the massive 60 by 50-foot black-and-white mural honoring the late Boston disco musician Donna Summer. I love Summer’s bouncy curly hair and effortless glam, which showcase her stand-out personality.
While Donna Summer was before my time, I recently started listening to her music.
“Hot Stuff” is a classic you’ve probably heard. It still bumps today.
Address: 2136 Washington St., Roxbury, Massachusetts
We ended our walking tour with a delicious meal at the family-owned Ethiopian restaurant, Fasika Cafe. An authentic experience, we ate with our hands and feasted on lentils, collard greens, and cabbage.
2. Black Heritage Trail
The Black Heritage Trail highlights a free African American community in Boston before the Civil War. It features 14 historic sites, beginning at the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial and ending at the Museum of African American History.
Explore the Beacon Hill neighborhood and learn about this community’s integral role in the Abolition Movement and the fight for equal rights and access to education.
Take the self-guided tour any time. Tours with a park ranger are available in the summer months.
Plan Your Trip To Boston
Find Cheap Flights | Hotels | Vacation Rentals | Car Rentals | Save 50% On Boston Attractions
Black-Owned Restaurants in Boston
As diverse as Boston’s neighborhoods, you can eat your way through a variety of cuisines from all over the world.
In addition to the iconic lobster rolls and clam chowder, there’s a growing presence of Black-owned restaurants in Boston. I had the opportunity to visit a few Boston Black-owned bars and restaurants during my trip.
1. Comfort Kitchen
For flavorful dishes, good vibes, and creative cocktails (or mocktails), Comfort Kitchen in Upham’s Corner of Dorchester serves food inspired by the African Diaspora.
Connecting people, culture, and food, the beautifully illustrated magazine-style menu shares the stories of the ingredients: their origins and the cooking methods used.
At Comfort Kitchen, you can sit inside a historic building built in 1912 that supported the expanding streetcar system. Seating is limited though, so I recommend making reservations ahead of time.
Paying homage to various food cultures from Africa to Asia and the Americas, you’ll find spiced ripe plantains, eggplants, yuca fries, beef short ribs, jerk-roasted duck, and more on the menu.
Let’s not forget cocktails like the chalky “Dream Street” made with rhum from Martinique, orange liquor, coconut, and lime.
I loved hearing Kompa (Haitian) music playing softly in the background.
Everything from the drinks, appetizers, main dishes, and desserts were on point. We were one of the last parties to leave that night, and our plates were clean.
With that, Comfort Kitchen is one of the best places to visit in Boston at night.
Where: Dorchester
2. Grace By Nia
Next, we have Grace By Nia in the Seaport District, a vibrant cocktail lounge and live music venue with a speakeasy Art Deco-inspired design.
Roxbury native Nia Grace owns several restaurants in Boston, including the Underground Café & Lounge.
Nia Grace is the first Black woman to own a liquor license in the Seaport area, a significant milestone promoting diversity in Boston’s hospitality industry.
Buzzing with conversation and laughter, you’ll find folks jamming out to a live jazz band (you can also enjoy soul, R&B, reggae, and more). TV monitors stream the live performance, so you can still see the musicians even if you’re not seated in front of the stage.
Dress to impress at Grace By Nia, the perfect spot for date night or a lively celebration with friends.
Where: Seaport
3. ZaZiBar Seaport
Located on the ground floor of the same building as Grace By Nia, ZaZiBar Seaport is a Black-owned cocktail bar owned by Chef Olrie Roberts, a.k.a. Chef O.
ZaZiBar is the third location of the growing ZaZ brand by Chef O. It’s a good spot for lunch, light bites in between meals, or evening cocktails.
Inspired by the flavors of Grenada and Asia, ZaZiBar offers specialties like Jackfruit Empanadas (vegan), Lobster Salmon Sliders, and Smoked Pineapple Wings. Cocktails are dressed elaborately with fresh pineapples, blackberries, cherries, mangoes, and flowers.
Where: Seaport
More Black-owned restaurants and businesses in Boston:
- MIDA for innovative Italian dishes
- Nubian Kitchen for soul food and Caribbean fare
- Urban Grape for light-bodied to full-bodied wines and tasting
- Café Sauvage Boston for French fare
Black-Owned Bookstores in Boston
Black-owned bookstores in Boston play an important role in preserving and promoting diverse narratives.
Stop by Frugal Bookstore, a family-owned and operated independent bookstore in Roxbury, passionate about promoting literacy for all age groups.
Historic Attractions & Black History in Boston
Black history is our shared American history. Here are the top Boston attractions to learn about African American history in Boston. Plus, discover the Black Bostonian leaders who paved the way for future generations.
1. Long Wharf
We start our tour of Boston by visiting Long Wharf, an important Black history site in Boston. In 1638, the first documented enslaved Africans docked here.
From 1638 to 1858, nearly 200 ‘slave’ voyages were recorded from Boston. You can learn more about Boston and the Transatlantic Slave Trade by reading the informational port markers around the harbor.
The markers include maps and 18th-century newspaper clippings advertising enslaved Africans for sale aboard the ships docked at the pier. While the harbor views are stunning, Long Wharf’s dark past acknowledges Boston’s role in the slave trade.
2. Boston Women’s Memorial: Phillis Wheatley Peters
One of the enslaved people who came through the Boston Harbor was Phillis Wheatley Peters, a young girl who was kidnapped from her home in West Africa and arrived enslaved in Boston aboard the ship she was named after “Phillis.”
Enslaved by the Wheatley family, the Wheatley’s daughter taught her how to read, write, and speak English.
In 1773, while enslaved, Phillis Wheatley Peters became the first published American writer of African origin to publish a book of poems titled “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral.”
Writing was her pathway to freedom and independence. Wheatley’s work challenged stereotypes about enslaved people and significantly impacted Boston.
Boston Women’s Memorial
A literary pioneer and a symbol of hope and inspiration for enslaved people, you can see Phillis Wheatley Peters and other influential women who shaped the city’s history at the Boston Women’s Memorial. Instead of standing on her pedestal, she’s leaning on it, perhaps thinking about her next poem.
3. Beacon Hill
Next, visit Beacon Hill, a historically Black neighborhood in Boston. In the 19th century, Beacon Hill was home to the largest free African American population in the United States. Many prominent abolitionists lived here and led campaigns contributing to the fight against slavery.
Homes and even narrow corridors throughout the neighborhood served as stops on the Underground Railroad.
Beacon Hill is characterized by multi-story Federal-style row homes, red brick buildings, cobblestone streets, and steep hills. Today, it’s one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Boston.
4. Museum of African American History Boston
The Museum of African American History is a must-see Boston museum. It is the largest museum in New England dedicated to preserving the contributions of African Americans.
The museum is located in the historic African Meeting House, the nation’s oldest existing Black church building. Visitors can explore exhibits to learn about the rich history and heritage of the Black community in Boston, and beyond.
5. Historic Walking Tour
Touring with Boston By Foot on the Black Voices: Writers for a 19th Century Revolution, we learned about dozens of Black freedom fighters, visionaries, authors, and journalists who fought against slavery and called Beacon Hill home in the 1800s.
Before the abolishment of slavery, Boston was a sanctuary for enslaved people. Its proximity to other Northern cities, as well as the tight-knit community of abolitionists, both free Black and White Americans, called for an end to slavery.
Print culture was big back then, with many Black writers, authors, thinkers, and journalists publishing newspapers, pamphlets, and books sharing arguments against slavery, personal narratives, and reporting on events near and far.
During our tour, we stopped at multiple Underground Railroad stops, like the home of Lewis and Harriet Hayden, a meeting place for abolitionists and a station on the Underground Railroad, a network of safe houses, meeting points, and routes used by enslaved African Americans to escape to freedom in the North.
5. Holmes Alley
Near the Museum of African American History located in the historic African Meeting House, which was once a church and social gathering place, we were taken to a narrow alley called ‘Holmes Alley’ hidden from view where people either hid or used to run away from capture.
6. Boston Commons
At Boston Common, the city’s oldest park (and the first public park in our nation, established in 1634), stands a 22-foot-tall bronze sculpture unveiled in 2023.
1. The Embrace
Did you know Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X spent considerable time in Boston?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. met his wife, Coretta Scott King, in Boston (the Roxbury neighborhood, to be exact) in 1952.
Boston is also where Dr. King led a crowd of 20,000 from Roxbury to the Parkman Bandstand. In his speech, he noted that while Boston is unlike the South, it has a lot of work to do to address racism and economic justice.
“The Embrace” by conceptual artist Hank Willis Thomas and MASS Design Group honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King. It depicts the pair in the middle of a hug and memorializes their strong bond, love, and leadership.
Walking around the sculpture, The Kings are unified as one; you can’t tell where one begins and the other ends.
I loved seeing Coretta’s hands and bracelet. They were soft and feminine, which reminded me of the important role of women in the freedom movement.
Standing in the center of a hug, feel the warmth of their love.
Take a break from reading. Listen to this podcast episode on Spotify.
2. Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and 54th Massachusetts Regiment Memorial
Located in Boston Common, about a 2-minute walk from The Embrace, you’ll find the iconic Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and 54th Massachusetts Regiment Memorial, which honors one of the first Black regiments from the North to serve in the Civil War.
After this, African Americans enlisted from every region of the North, including Rutland, Vermont. Save that tidbit of information for a future episode in this series – hint…hint.
The bronze monument depicts the 54th Regiment marching down Beach Street for war in 1863.
The 54th Regiment fought bravely despite heavy casualties. They challenged negative stereotypes about African Americans and their ability to serve in the military. Their actions opened up opportunities for Black men to participate in the war effort, inspiring over 180,000 Black soldiers to enroll and fight in the Union Army.
Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and 54th Massachusetts Regiment Memorial is part of the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile trail that winds through Boston’s historic downtown.
7. Freedom Trial
Stretching 2.5 miles, the Freedom Trail connects 16 historic sites that tell the story of the American Revolution. The sites include museums, churches, burial grounds and more. Although you can certainly do the tour on your own, you can also join walking tours led by 18th-century costumed guides. Some of the unique tours include “African-American Patriots” and “Revolutionary Women.”
8. The Boston Massacre, Crispus Attucks Memorial
Among the many monuments in Boston Common, the Boston Massacre and Crispus Attucks Memorial commemorates the life and death of Crispus Attucks, a Black man who was the first person killed in the Boston Massacre.
The Boston Massacre was a 1770 street brawl between American colonists and British soldiers. The bloody conflict energized anti-British sentiment and paved the way for the American Revolution, … and the creation of the United States.
Where To Stay in Boston (Not Black-Owned)
Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport is an upscale hotel featuring spacious rooms and suites with city skyline views, a rooftop pool and spa, and multiple restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Envoy Hotel is another great option if you’re looking for where to stay when visiting Boston. This trendy harborfront hotel features a rooftop deck bar with phenomenal center views. When checking in, don’t forget your welcome prosecco drink!
Are there Black-owned hotels in Boston?
Yes, there is a Black-owned hotel in Boston: Marriott Residence Inn Boston Harbor on Tudor Wharf.
When is the best time to visit Boston?
While June to September is a popular time to visit, Boston is an all year round destination.
I loved visiting in August because of the good weather, long daylight hours, plenty of events, and outdoor activities. On the flip side, in the summer months, you can expect crowds and higher airfare and hotel prices.
Is Boston worth visiting?
Boston is steeped in rich history, with every corner telling a fascinating story. For example: Black Bostonians played a pivotal role in the fight for American independence, end slavery, and racial equality.
By preserving historic sites, building memorials, and establishing cultural centers, learning about the Black experience in Boston has become more accessible.
With 23 unique neighborhoods, Boston is a melting pot of cultures, a multicultural city offering a wide range of food options and Black cultural experiences.
Home to a thriving Black community, I encourage you to explore the city through a Black lens and support Black-owned businesses, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
With so much to offer, Boston is a destination that will leave a lasting impression on you, as it has for me.
Final Thoughts: Visit Boston Now!
I hope this article (and podcast) episode sparked your interest in visiting Boston through a wider lens.
So many people visit Boston and only stay Downtown which I believe is truly a missed opportunity.
Boston is one of the oldest cities in America. It’s an architecturally layered city with an equally layered history and storied past. Even with an open mind, Boston surprised me. It blew me away, and I can see myself visiting again (very) soon.
Black Bostonians are establishing businesses, creating partnerships, uplifting their communities, and tirelessly working to preserve their history while showcasing their vibrant culture through food, art, and music.
Want to learn more about Black-owned businesses in Boston? Want to buy Black in Boston?
Black Owned Bos. elevates Black-owned businesses across the Greater Boston area. Browse the directory, which includes over 1,600 businesses, places, Black-owned shops, and spaces, as well as individuals driving culture and innovation.
Day Trips From Boston
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
- Martha’s Vineyard Daytrip from Boston with Round-Trip Ferry
- Free Things To Do in Martha’s Vineyard
- How Much Does a Trip To Martha’s Vineyard Cost?
Other Series Episodes
- Beyond the Underground Railroad: Harriet Tubman’s Life and Legacy in Auburn, New York – Episode 161
- Reconstruction Era Trail and the African American Experience Post-Civil War in South Carolina – Episode 158
Danielle Desir Corbett is an award-winning and 6x grant-funded travel writer and podcast host who went from financial struggle to visiting 27+ countries all without waiting until retirement. Her story is proof that budget doesn’t limit adventure. Tune into The Thought Card Podcast for practical strategies to travel smarter and live on your terms. Say hello: thethoughtcard (at) gmail (dot) com.
Boston’s rich Black culture and history are truly inspiring! It’s great to see the city’s progress in celebrating Black-owned businesses and communities. This blog highlights not only Boston’s past but also its bright future as a more inclusive and diverse hub.
I can’t wait to see what’s next for Boston! Thanks for taking the time to read/listen!
This post beautifully highlights Boston’s dynamic Black culture and history! It’s great to see how the city is embracing its diverse neighborhoods and supporting Black-owned businesses. Your insights about the city’s evolution and the importance of acknowledging its past make for an inspiring read. Looking forward to hearing more about your explorations!
Thank you, Connie! Boston is a special place I hope more people can discover beyond the tourist hot spots. There’s so much to see, experience and learn about.