Unexpected Tours Spotlights Atlanta’s Black History for Black History Month

ATLANTA, Ga. (ATL Live) - As Black History Month begins, The Unexpected Tours Atlanta is highlighting some of the city’s most meaningful — and sometimes overlooked — landmarks. Host Ava Braatz kicked off the month with a morning walk through several historic sites that help tell the story of Atlanta’s Black legacy.

Her first stop: the famed Royal Peacock, a once‑vibrant hub of Atlanta’s Black entertainment scene. The historic nightclub hosted icons like Ray Charles, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin, but the history doesn’t stop at its doors. Just next to it sits John Calhoun Park, honoring one of the city’s leading Black businessmen of the 1940s. Across the way stands Big Bethel AME Church, recognized as Atlanta’s oldest Black congregation and long considered a pillar of faith, culture, and community on Auburn Avenue.

Braatz noted that although the area around the Royal Peacock is rich with stories, it’s a part of the city many Atlantans still overlook.

Unexpected Tours will feature both neighborhoods throughout February as part of its expanded Black History Month programming.

ATL Live is your home for food, fun and entertainment in Atlanta. As a product of Atlanta News First, ATL Live features live and taped segments with guests, some of which may be sponsored. If you or someone you know is interested in appearing on the show, please email us at info@atlliveshow.com.