Has anyone ever been on those Victorian house tours where they give stories about the white people who lived there, potential ghosts sightings and whatnot? Well, allow us to take you on of some Black history legends. No one ever stops to think about the four walls Martin Luther King Jr. grew up in or the massive estate of Madame C.
J. Walker - both of which among for touring. The architecture, lofty details and machinery we wouldn’t even know how to operate now keep alive the memory not only of our historic figures but also show us .
If you’re planning on taking a trip to one of the sites or too spooked to go in person, take a look into the homes that once belonged to some of our beloved Black historical figures. 2 / 31 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.
3 / 31 Throwback of Armstrong’s Home Throwback of Armstrong’s Home From the outside, the home looks like any other on the block, but believe us it’s not. 4 / 31 Retro-style Kitchen Retro-style Kitchen I don’t know what’s more captivating, the blue or the crazy amount of mid-century cabinet space. 5 / 31 Luxurious Living Area Luxurious Living Area The perfect sleek space to entertain guests.
6 / 31 Detailed Bathroom Decor Detailed Bathroom Decor The clamshell sink, the gold, the marble - in perfect condition even after all this time. 7 / 31 A Charming Bedroom A Charming Bedroom The beautiful chandelier bouncing light off that silver wallpaper. 8 / 31 Living Space Living Space The well preserved art pieces and outstanding portraits of Armstrong and his wife, Lucille.
9 / 31 Quaint Backyard Quaint Backyard Perfect for cookout season. There’s so much more on the tour. 10 / 31 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. 11 / 31 Vintage Photo of Douglass’ Home Vintage Photo of Douglass’ Home 12 / 31 Artistic Details Artistic Details You just know the inside of this house is going to be beautiful by the door knocker alone.
13 / 31 West Parlor West Parlor Douglass’ chair was made from Haitian craftsmen. 14 / 31 Douglass’ Study Douglass’ Study All of those books preserved for all this time! What a collection. 15 / 31 Dining Area Dining Area Literally frozen in time with the most charming historical details.
16 / 31 Sewing Room Sewing Room Oh to use a vintage sewing machine...
17 / 31 Douglass’ Bedroom Douglass’ Bedroom Of course the master bedroom would have a fireplace. And look at that beautiful mirror. 18 / 31 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. 19 / 31 A Gorgeous Exterior A Gorgeous Exterior 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.” 20 / 31 Millionaire-Status Yard Millionaire-Status Yard 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. 21 / 31 Living Area Living Area Even in vintage form, you can tell every inch of the home was decorated to perfection.
22 / 31 Grand Front Entrance Grand Front Entrance The detail in the ceiling told me everything I need to know about how Ms. Walker was living. 23 / 31 Dazzling Foyer Dazzling Foyer Those pieces of African art are pleasant Easter eggs around the home.
24 / 31 A Gorgeous Piano 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. 25 / 31 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. 26 / 31 Exterior of MLK’s Home 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. 27 / 31 Dining Room Dining Room Can’t you imagine young MLK and his siblings and parents eating at this table during Sunday dinners.
28 / 31 Charming Kitchen Charming Kitchen When’s the last time you’ve seen an old fashioned oven like that? 29 / 31 Main Bedroom Main Bedroom The wallpaper makes the entire room feel homey. 30 / 31 Living Room 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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