As a destination distinctly defined by its diversity, the ATL Airport District is the proud home to dozens of Black-owned businesses, from upbeat brunch locales and Southern barbecue joints to fitness studios and wellness spas. In honor of the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, we’ve put together a quick guide of our Black-owned establishments that we encourage you to support all year long. We’re also rounding up the special events that celebrate Black excellence in the District, and spotlighting a few nearby landmarks and cultural attractions for an added dose of history this February.
✈️ Flying in to the District this February? Check out our list of hotels (30% cheaper than staying in downtown Atlanta, 100% worth the value).
We Love Our Black-Owned Restaurants
When dining in the District, there is no shortage of Black-owned restaurants to choose from, with each establishment boasting its own local flavor and inspired cuisine. If brunching were a sport, the District would win a clean sweep with The Breakfast Boys, Buttermilk Biscuit, The Real Milk & Honey, Kiss My Gritz, and The Dining Experience on our home team. The Southside also boasts bangin' barbecue hotspots like Tom, Dick, and Hank, Pit Boss and This Is It! Southern Kitchen & Bar-B-Q.
There are also plenty of options for those looking to grab a quick bite. They'll be happy to serve you a variety of satisfying flavors on the go at Wrap-a-Lot or Urban Sprout. If you have a few minutes to spare, pop in for happy hour at Zubi’s Taco Kitchen. Date night? Indulge in the intimate ambiance at Nouveau, Aye Tea Elle, or Party of 5, where charm and elegance come together to create memorable dining experiences.
Venture down to Union City to enjoy homemade pizza with a slew of authentic Haitian flavors at 1804 Pizza Bar. Or head to J.R. Crickets, a lively sports bar specializing in beer, Buffalo-style chicken wings and other casual eats. Fairburn offers locals an entirely vegan lunch, brunch or dinner at family-owned eatery Unbelievegan. This list barely scratches the surface of the Black-owned restaurants in the District, so be sure to check out our more comprehensive list spanning College Park, Hapeville, and Union City here.
Excellence in Black-Owned Health, Wellness, and Entertainment
Because moderation is key, balance out your dining adventures in the District with a visit to one of our Black-owned wellness spots. For a high-energy workout, head to Cycle Gang and join a dynamic group cycling session, conquer your day with strength and mobility classes at MultiFitness, transform your fitness journey with bootcamp classes at Move Fitness Complex, or work one on one with a personal trainer at Styles Fitness.
Slow things down and opt for a mindful movement experience with a pilates or yoga class (while still feeling the burn) at LatJohns Pilates and Wellness. When you're ready for recovery, head to The Wellness Spot in College Park, an upscale spa and health club offering massage therapy and other rejuvenating experiences. Looking to take that extra step in your healing journey? Schedule a Reiki session at Mind+Body Works in Hapeville.
For the little ones, Kids Gym USA is the nation’s first pre-school gymnastics program with activities for all ages, designed not just for physical fitness, but also strengthening their cognitive skills with confidence, self-esteem, focus, and cooperation. Looking for fun for the whole family, a chill spot for date night, or a good place to hang with friends? Visit Swing ATL to enjoy friendly competition on their 18-hole mini golf course. Or try a "fling" session in one of their axe throwing lanes!
Black History Month Events in the District
In addition to supporting our local businesses, we invite you to join us in celebrating the vibrant tapestry of Black culture and heritage in the District with various events to commemorate Black History Month:
College Park Skyhawks Celebrate Black History Month
Saturday, February 7 @ 3PM
Come celebrate Black History Month at the Gateway Center Arena as the College Park Skyhawks take on the Rap City Remix on Saturday, February 7th at 3PM. The first 500 fans will receive a free commemorative t-shirt!
Black History in the Stacks
Thursday, February 19 @ 10:30AM
Get your kids ready to explore the library like never before! Black History In The Stacks is a fun and interactive Black History scavenger hunt designed just for elementary students. Young explorers will search the Hapeville Library for clues hidden among books, displays, and pictures while learning about important Black leaders, heroes, artists, athletes, and storytellers. Contact Ms. Janice at janice.wilson@fultoncountyga.gov to register.
6th Annual College Park Black History Program
Saturday, February 21
Mark your calendar to join the City of College Park and the College Park Cultural Arts Council for the 6th Annual College Park Black History Program on Saturday, February 21. More details to follow!
LOVB Atlanta Homecoming: HBCU Night
Sunday, February 22 @ 2PM
LOVB Atlanta is hosting a special Homecoming: HBCU Night event when they take on LOVB Austin at the Gateway Center Arena. Get your tickets and join the reunion!
Black History Read & Reflect
Thursday, February 26 @ 11AM
Join us the Hapeville Library for Black History Read & Reflect for a reading of The Man Who Lived Underground by Richard Wright, a powerful work by one of America’s most influential Black authors. Participants are invited to listen, reflect, and enjoy selected readings in a calm, welcoming, and senior-friendly setting. No reading aloud is required. All adults and seniors are welcome. Contact Ms. Janice at janice.wilson@fultoncountyga.gov to register.
Unsung Heroes: The City of College Park Celebrates Black History Month
Saturday, February 28 @ 2PM
Join us the City of College Park for an afternoon of community, reflection, and celebration as we honor the legacies and “Unsung Heroes” who have shaped our world at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC). Admission and parking are free, so bring you friends, family and neighbors!
Voices of Legacy: A Black History Experience
Saturday, February 28 @ 4PM
The City of Fairburn invites you to become a part of this year's Voices of Legacy: A Black History Experience. This is a celebration where we will recognize and honor legacy and empowerment within the African American Community for Black History Month!
Historic Landmarks and Attractions Nearby
With the District situated just south of Downtown Atlanta, you can easily embark on a journey through Black history with several notable landmarks and attractions just a quick MARTA ride away.
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park covers about 35 acres and includes several sites related to the life and work of the legendary civil rights leader, including his birth home (which is temporarily closed due to renovations). Nearby, The King Center exhibits MLK related photos and artifacts, plus rooms on Gandhi and Rosa Parks. With services open to the public, you can attend Ebenezer Baptist Church.
A mile south sits the historic Oakland Cemetery, which is Atlanta’s oldest public park and the final resting place for many civil rights leaders and activists. Tours through the towering and picturesque oak and magnolia trees are available to the public and highly recommended given the chance.
Head a few miles east to check out The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the national historic landmark, the Herndon Home, and the APEX Museum, where "every month is Black History Month," and offers a variety of exhibits detailing history presented from the Black perspective.
There's so much to explore this February in the ATL Airport District. Show us where you go by sharing your Black History Month #ATLDistrict pics here!
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