What city do you think is the blackest in America? We figured it had to be in the south. Despite a tendency away from it, most black Americans live in the South, with the exception of Detroit, which is the only city north of the Mason-Dixon Line.
In addition, certain cities are largely black in all aspects, including population, history, and culture. These cities have distinct histories, cultures, and ways of life. Let’s take a look at four of America’s most predominantly black cities.
Harlem, N.Y.C.
Harlem is one of the blackest cities in America. With a population of 68.7 thousand people, Harlem is made up of 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 the Upper Manhattan neighborhood and referred to as the Black capital of America, has a rich culture of beautiful music, birthing so many R&B groups and good 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 persons seeking to appreciate Blackness and see firsthand the rich multi-ethnic culture of Blacks.
Atlanta
Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, has about 6 million people, and about 40% are blacks. It is popularly known as the “Black Mecca” and has a rich history, playing an essential role in the Civil Rights Movement of 1960 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.
Detroit
African Americans living in Detroit accounted for 79.1% of the total populace. Back 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. However, there was no city in America between those iconic moments 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 to 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. Just like these other cities, this racial concentration in D.C. did not start now.
From the time Washington DC 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 language, lifestyle, attitude, and food.
If you want to learn more about black life in the United States, all you have to do is go to Florida Avenue Northwest and converse with an elderly person. And if D.C. were the only city left in the globe, the story of black America’s history would be unaffected. After all, it is all housed in the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
There are cultural and societal implications to having a largely black population. These influences can be found in art, music, language, and cuisine. As a black traveller, there is nothing better than going to a place where you can blend in.
These dark cities are home away from home, and if you want to experience them in all of their shades of black, reach out to us today.
