A Story Like No Other.
For centuries, African Americans in Louisiana have changed the world with their ideas, art, and action. From street corners and marketplaces to churches and cafés to universities and beyond—come visit the places that have inspired generations of Louisianians to add their unique flavor to the world.
The Louisiana African American Heritage Trail begins in New Orleans before taking you through South and Central Louisiana and up to the friendly towns of North Louisiana. Walk the streets where jazz was born and discover the roots of this musical form. Learn about Homer Plessy's refusal to move from the "whites only" section of a Louisiana rail car and the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling that followed.Tour stately plantations and learn about the slaves' craftsmanship, ingenuity, family life, and resistance. Visit the birthplace of Arna Bontemps,
a leading writer in the Harlem Renaissance. Take a ride to Grambling University, an institution that has produced not only world-class football players, but also teachers, business people, musicians, and leaders. Visit the town of Delta, Louisiana, birthplace of Madam C. J. Walker, who rose from poverty to become a giant in the cosmetics industry. There is so much to see and do and explore. And this is just the beginning.
Before you travel the trail on foot, travel it on our online map.
Voices from the Trail
Click a location on the map to hear actor Lou Gossett, Jr. discuss that African-American Heritage Trail site.
Click on the name of the region for which you would like to view an itinerary in pdf format, or roll over a trail site marker for more information.
How we selected the sites: Each site has been carefully chosen because of its contribution and connection – by a person or an event – to local, state, national, or world history.
Louisiana's history is always evolving
and so is our trail and our website.
The sites currently on the trail are just the start. We are expanding the trail and this web site, so stay tuned as we add more interesting places to discover and learn. Return often to see what's new!
There is so much to see and do in Louisiana. Here are a few ideas to get you started.