Inside The Homes of Black History Legends

The Father of Negro History Week not only pioneered what we now recognize as Black History Month but also became one of the first scholars to study our history including that of the African diaspora. Though the Washington D.C. home is currently closed from visitors, we managed to snag a few sneak peeks of the inside.

The Shaw neighborhood townhouse has gone under some serious renovations since Woodson lived their full-time.

The red brick against the sage green is the perfect color combination.

Majority of Woodson’s home is empty besides his office. Let’s be honest, it is the main attraction.

This is where the magic happened - whether it was penning scholarly pieces or grading papers, I’m sure.

This is probably just a glimpse at how many books he really had.

What’s the one thing you need to make your office even cozier? A gorgeous marble fireplace.

The reddish brown finish of the stairs adds warmth to the home.

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.

Old-fashioned but still a stylish design.

That blue paint is the perfect pop of color against the shades of brown.

That television is a blast from the past!

The lamp, the rug and even the couch give you a taste of Bates’ style.

Anyone getting nostalgia from this kitchen?

Is it really a living room without a fireplace?

The bedframe’s special pockets for the radio takes you back in time.

The founder of Bethune-Cookman College and the National Council of Negro Women was not just an activist and educator but a business woman. She co-owned a resort in Daytona, Florida and co-founded a life insurance company, per the National Women’s History Museum. where she also lived for a time. Now, her house is a National Historic Site.

Though a historical landmark, the home looks as fresh as any vacation home from the outside.

Those delicate details are what must have impressed dinner guests.

Who doesn’t love a good cherry wood bedframe?

The light blue paint is the perfect color to bring more light to those dark corridors.

Best believe Bethune was putting in work in this office space.

Not only will you find tons of photos of her but also images of other prominent Black figures.

The inventor of the evaporated air conditioner and pioneer in electric power resided in Flushing, New York. Inside his home you’ll find a series of the things he invented as well as a glimpse into his everyday life.

The red and yellow are the perfect combination.

A piano is absolutely a staple for most of these houses.

This is where the magic happened.

Realistically, Latimer probably had way more documents and sketches across this desk.

Imagine the amount of blueprints and ideas that graced this area.

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.

From the outside, the home looks like any other on the block, but believe us it’s not.

I don’t know what’s more captivating, the blue or the crazy amount of mid-century cabinet space.

The perfect sleek space to entertain guests.

The clamshell sink, the gold, the marble - in perfect condition even after all this time.

The beautiful chandelier bouncing light off that silver wallpaper.

The well preserved art pieces and outstanding portraits of Armstrong and his wife, Lucille.

Perfect for cookout season. There’s so much more on the tour.

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.

You just know the inside of this house is going to be beautiful by the door knocker alone.

Douglass’ chair was made from Haitian craftsmen.

All of those books preserved for all this time! What a collection.

Literally frozen in time with the most charming historical details.

Oh to use a vintage sewing machine...

Of course the master bedroom would have a fireplace. And look at that beautiful mirror.

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.

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.”

Walker only lived in the home for a short time before she died in 1919nbut 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.

Even in vintage form, you can tell every inch of the home was decorated to perfection.

The detail in the ceiling told me everything I need to know about how Ms. Walker was living.

Those pieces of African art are pleasant Easter eggs around the home.

Because who wouldn’t have a large piano to fill some space in a big house like that? Walker knew how to entertain.

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.

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.

Can’t you imagine young MLK and his siblings and parents eating at this table during Sunday dinners.

When’s the last time you’ve seen an old fashioned oven like that?

The wallpaper makes the entire room feel homey.

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.