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Black Magnolias
July 20 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
This guided walking tour explores the history, lives, and labors of Atlanta’s African American women.
Historically, many African American women worked as maids, child nurses, cooks, and laundresses—all while managing their own households. As educational opportunities became available following the Civil War and emancipation, African American women aspired to occupations beyond domestic service. Many sought jobs as educators and nurses. Others with access to advanced education became lawyers and physicians. With increasing economic stability, more African American women became stay-at-home mothers, focusing their efforts on homemaking and children. Many African American women also considered it their duty to serve their communities and churches, and they did so in both professional and volunteer positions. This guided walking tour moves beyond historical stereotypes to explore the history, lives, and labors of Atlanta’s African American women.
This tour starts at the Main Gate (main entrance at Oakland Avenue and MLK Jr. Drive) at 10:30 a.m. Please arrive a few minutes early to check in at the volunteer desk inside the Visitor Center (located in the parking lot) before meeting at the Main Gate.
Spaces are limited, so we recommend purchasing your tickets in advance.
Historic Oakland Foundation Members
Historic Oakland Foundation memberships include free tickets for special topic tours. Check your membership level before you purchase. Individual members receive one (1) ticket, dual members two (2) tickets, and family memberships four (4) tickets. Membership status will be confirmed before the tour.
To get your free tickets, click the button above and sign in with the email you used to join HOF.
Accessibility
Not all areas of Historic Oakland Cemetery are wheelchair accessible. Please let us know if you need an accessible route when purchasing your ticket. There is designated parking for vehicles with a disability permit behind the Visitor Center. This is the best option for parking as the main entrance is paved with cobblestones, and both the East Gate and Memorial Drive Gate entrances have either a step or curb.
ASL interpreter available if given 3 days (72 hours) notice before the start of the tour.