Despite what books or travel guides tell you, Black history is everywhere! There are endless examples of Black history and remnants of Black culture throughout the country. Monuments and exhibits synonymous with the past are not only exclusive to southern states that were on the front line of the Civil Rights Movement.

Detour found some places that are usually excluded from the conversation of enrichment or artifacts dedicated to Black history. These cities should be an option if you plan to honor this month.

African Meeting House, Boston, Massachusetts

Built in 1806, the African Meeting House is considered the oldest Black church in America. It served as the African Baptist Church of Boston (a.k.a. First Independent Baptist Church). When education for Black children was illegal or not openly provided, the meeting house provided a space for The African School. The African School held classes in a room on the first floor of the meeting house from 1808 until 1835. Abolitionists spoke at the meeting house, including William Lloyd Garrison, Maria Stewart, Wendell Phillips, Sarah Grimke, and Frederick Douglass.

Colored Musicians Club, Buffalo, New York

Established in 1917, the Colored Musicians Club is the only continuously running, all Black-owned jazz club in the United States. The club was designated a historical preservation site in 1999. The CMC was the hot spot for jazz artists and musicians to socialize and premiere new music. Regulars at the club included musical legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington.

Harriet Tubman’s Home – Auburn, New York

Located in Auburn, NY, Cayuga County is the chosen home of abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman. She settled in Auburn in 1859 and lived there for 54 years until her passing in 1913.

Led by Tour Cayuga, the city has utilized Tubman’s home as a fixture of history. They provide tours of the house and notable areas in the city that promote the idea of community that helped Tubman along her way on the Underground Railroad.

Last year the country celebrated 200 years of Tubman and launched several initiatives to promote Black-owned businesses in the county.

Monroe Elementary – Topeka, Kansas

Monroe Elementary was the school that launched the monumental Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court Case. The school was completed in 1927 and was one of four segregated black schools operating in Topeka. In 1951, Linda Brown, and her father, Oliver Brown, became plaintiffs in a legal battle over racial segregation. The case led to the supreme court ruling that segregation in schools was unconstitutional. The school has now been converted into a museum.

Museum of the African Diaspora – San Francisco, California

The MoAD is entirely dedicated to showcasing the African diaspora’s influential art, history, and culture. The Smithsonian affiliate opened in 2005. The museum showcases artwork exclusively connected to the African diaspora. The museum is located within a 42-story skyscraper, including luxury condominiums and a five-star hotel.