Have you gone on one of those Victorian house tours? The home always belonged to an old white family of influence (sometimes descendants slave owners) who may or may not have left their spirits behind to haunt visitors.
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I’ll be happy to inform you, you can take the same historical tour into the homes of our most beloved Black history legends. Not everyone stops to think about the humble Florida ranch Ray Charles learned to play piano in or the lofty Manhattan townhouse Billie Holiday lived in before her death.
The architecture, vintage details and artifacts are preserved for our recollection and even named as national landmarks.
In a country where the education on our Black historical figures is being attacked, it’s important we visit these landmarks not only to learn more about these figures but also about what Black life looked like through their lens.
Take get a peek into the homes of some our favorite Black historical figures.
Billie Holiday’s NYC Townhouse
One of the most beloved and controversial jazz singers of our community had impeccable taste in real estate. Her townhouse in the Upper West Side was the location where she released “Lady in Satin” in the late 50s and was also the last property she owned before her tragic death, per Architectural Digest.
Classic NY Exterior
A classic Manhattan townhouse. Those stairs make for a beautiful entrance.
Lovely Fireplace
Perfect place for entertaining but most importantly, staying warm.
Stunning Kitchen
This kitchen is so beautiful, you’d find an excuse to cook every day.
Charming Bedroom
Assumably where Lady Day would take her rest. Tall ceilings and walk-in closet? Only the best for such a queen.
Vanity Room
Perfect place for a beautiful diva like Billie Holiday to do her makeup.
The Daisy Bates House
Who was considered the architect of the Little Rock Nine had quite the taste in architecture in her own home. Bates lived in her home with her husband during the Central High School desegregation crisis from 1957 to 1958. Her home became a place of refuge for the nine students who were sent to the school to desegregate it, per the National Park Service.
Charming, Retro Exterior
Old-fashioned but still a stylish design.
Dining Room
That blue paint is the perfect pop of color against the shades of brown.
Entertainment Wall
That television is a blast from the past!
Living Space
The lamp, the rug and even the couch give you a taste of Bates’ style.
Kitchen
Anyone getting nostalgia from this kitchen?
Brick Fireplace
Is it really a living room without a fireplace?
Bedroom
The bedframe’s special pockets for the radio takes you back in time.
The Home of Louis Armstrong
The jazz legend lived in his home in Queens with his wife from 1943 until he died in 1971. Now, it’s a museum keeping his legacy alive.
Throwback of Armstrong’s Home
From the outside, the home looks like any other on the block, but believe us it’s not.
Retro-Style Kitchen
I don’t know what’s more captivating, the blue or the crazy amount of mid-century cabinet space.
Luxurious Living Area
The perfect sleek space to entertain guests.
Detailed Bathroom Decor
The clamshell sink, the gold, the marble - in perfect condition even after all this time.
A Charming Bedroom
The beautiful chandelier bouncing light off that silver wallpaper.
Living Space
The well preserved art pieces and outstanding portraits of Armstrong and his wife, Lucille.
Quaint Backyard
Perfect for cookout season. There’s so much more on the tour.
The Estate Madam C.J. Walker
The self-made millionaire built her mansion north of Manhattan called “Villa Lewaro” from the funds she made off the creation of her own hair product line. To be sure, Walker was probably one of the first to introduce us to Black women in luxury.
A Gorgeous Exterior
The New York Times wrote in back in 1917 when Walker nearly completed the estate, “Plans for furnishing the house call for a degree of elegance and extravagance that a princess might envy.”
Millionaire-Status Yard
Walker only lived in the home for a short time before she died in 1919 but she had already made her mark and showed African Americans what they could achieve. Look at this photo. Oh to see the reactions of these women the first time they stepped foot on the property.
Living Area
Even in vintage form, you can tell every inch of the home was decorated to perfection.
Grand Front Entrance
The detail in the ceiling told me everything I need to know about how Ms. Walker was living.
Dazzling Foyer
Those pieces of African art are pleasant Easter eggs around the home.
A Gorgeous Piano
Because who wouldn’t have a large piano to fill some space in a big house like that? Walker knew how to entertain.
The Home of Frederick Douglass
The infamous abolitionist and social justice reformer’s Victorian-style home near Washington, D.C. has a whopping 21 rooms! You’ll be even more astounded by the fine details.
Vintage Photo of Douglass’ Home
You can tell from the outside how expansive the inside is.
Artistic Details
You just know the inside of this house is going to be beautiful by the door knocker alone.
West Parlor
Douglass’ chair was made from Haitian craftsmen.
Dining Area
Literally frozen in time with the most charming historical details.
Sewing Room
Oh to use a vintage sewing machine...
Douglass’ Bedroom
Of course the master bedroom would have a fireplace. And look at that beautiful mirror.
Ray Charles’ Childhood Home
The legendary singer, songwriter and pianist grew up in the small town of Greenville, Florida. His childhood home has since been renovated and curated into a museum where folks from all around could walk the floors where lil’ Ray used to walk before becoming a national icon.
Front of Home
Is it really a southern home without a wrap around porch?
Bedroom
The color of the wooden fixtures make everything more vibrant.
Ray’s Piano
Yes, the legend used to tap on these very keys.
Rustic Hallway
Every southern home is charming in all its simplicity.
Childhood Home of Martin Luther King Jr.
The civil rights giant had a very humble but solid middle-class beginning before rising to be one of the most influential voices in the Civil Rights Era right in the heart of Old Fourth Ward, Atlanta.
Exterior of MLK’s Home
The Victorian home was built in 1985 for a white family. MLK’s maternal grandparents bought the home some years later. All great homes have a wrap around porch.
Dining Room
Can’t you imagine young MLK and his siblings and parents eating at this table during Sunday dinners.
Charming Kitchen
When’s the last time you’ve seen an old fashioned oven like that?
Main Bedroom
The wallpaper makes the entire room feel homey.
Living Room
Imagine how many memories young Martin Luther King made in this room with his family. Before you buy tickets to tour the home in Atlanta, make sure its not under renovation.
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