Charleston: Frankly Charleston Black History Walking Tour

The "Charleston: Frankly Charleston Black History Walking Tour" provides an eye-opening exploration of the city’s African American heritage. Participants can expect to explore the rich Gullah culture, hear powerful stories of slavery and resilience, and engage with a live storyteller. This wheelchair-accessible tour encourages an open-minded approach to understanding Charleston’s complex past, making it an enlightening experience for those interested in uncovering the untold narratives that shaped the Low Country.

Key Points

• Discover the Gullah culture and its African roots during this 2-hour guided walking tour of Charleston’s historic 5th ward.
• Explore the stories of slavery, freedom, and the wealth of free People of Color in Charleston’s antebellum history.
• Learn about the contributions of enslaved African Americans from the 16th and 17th centuries and reflect on their legacy.
• Engage with a live storyteller who shares the colonization history and breaks down stereotypes surrounding slavery.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible, with flexible scheduling and a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Frankly Charleston Black History Walking Tour is a 2-hour guided exploration of Charleston’s antebellum 5th ward, showcasing the rich African American history and culture of the Low Country region.

Priced from $33.25 per person, the tour is conducted in English and is wheelchair accessible. The meeting point is the Charleston welcome center’s Ann St. side.

Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour highlights the Gullah culture, African American contributions, and the complex narratives surrounding slavery and freedom in Charleston.

Booking Information

Guests can reserve their spot on the Frankly Charleston Black History Walking Tour without upfront payment. Just book your tour and pay later.

If plans change, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Tour times are flexible, so check availability for starting times that fit your schedule.

The walking tour explores Charleston’s antebellum history and African American contributions. It’s an engaging and eye-opening experience suitable for those with an open mind.

Tour Highlights

As the tour explores the antebellum section of the 5th ward of colonial Charles Town, you will learn about the significant African American contributions to the Low Country and the United States.

The tour highlights include:

• Discovering the Gullah culture and its African roots.

• Hearing stories of slavery, freedom, and the wealth of free People of Color.

• Breaking down stereotypes surrounding slavery and exploring the true narrative of Charleston.

• Engaging with a live storyteller sharing the history of colonization in the swamp.

• Reflecting on the contributions of enslaved African Americans from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Tour Experience

During the Charleston Black History Walking Tour, participants engage with a live storyteller who brings the history of colonization in the swamp to life.

The storyteller reflects on the contributions of enslaved African Americans from the 16th and 17th centuries, challenging stereotypes and exploring the true narrative of Charleston.

Participants have the opportunity to reflect on this complex history, gaining a deeper understanding of the role of African Americans in shaping the Low Country and the United States.

The tour experience provides a thought-provoking and immersive look into the past, encouraging participants to approach the subject with an open mind.

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Participant Guidelines

The Charleston Black History Walking Tour is suitable for individuals with an open mind.

The tour isn’t recommended for people with back problems, those feeling under the weather, or those with low fitness levels. Plus, it isn’t suitable for individuals planning to dive within 24 hours of the tour.

The tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, illness, or low fitness, and isn’t suitable for those planning to dive within 24 hours.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes.

The following items aren’t allowed on the tour: sandals, weapons, smoking, alcohol, drugs, littering, unaccompanied minors, and inappropriate clothing.

• Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes

• No sandals, weapons, smoking, alcohol, drugs

• No littering, unaccompanied minors, inappropriate clothing

• Not suitable for back problems, illness, low fitness

• Not for those diving within 24 hours

Exploring the Antebellum Charm of the 5th Ward

The Charleston Black History Walking Tour allows participants to explore the antebellum charm of the 5th ward, a historic section of colonial Charles Town.

Guests learn about the African American contributions to the Low Country and the United States. They’ll discover the Gullah culture and its African roots, as well as stories of slavery, freedom, and the wealth of free People of Color.

The tour provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the true narrative of Charleston, breaking down stereotypes surrounding slavery and gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s complex history.

Uncovering the Gullah Culture and Its African Roots

As participants explore the antebellum charm of the 5th ward, they’ll uncover the vibrant Gullah culture and its deep African roots.

The Gullah people, descendants of enslaved Africans, have preserved their unique language, traditions, and crafts, creating a rich tapestry of heritage.

On the tour, visitors will:

• Discover the Gullah dialect, a blend of English and West African languages

• Explore the traditional Gullah cooking and its connection to African cuisines

• Learn about Gullah arts and crafts, including sweetgrass basket weaving

• Understand the significance of the Gullah Sea Islands in shaping the culture

• Appreciate the resilience and adaptability of the Gullah community over centuries.

Acknowledging the Contributions of Enslaved African Americans

Though often overlooked, enslaved African Americans made invaluable contributions to the development of Charleston and the United States. From building fortifications and infrastructure to cultivating crops and developing the Gullah culture, their skills and labor were essential. The tour highlights their stories, breaking down stereotypes and exploring the true narrative of Charleston’s history.

| Contributions | Impact | Lasting Legacy |

| — | — | — |

| Skilled labor | Economic growth | Gullah culture |

| Agricultural expertise | Architectural development | Civil rights movement |

| Cultural preservation | Community resilience | Ongoing fight for equity |

Frequently Asked Questions

What Safety Precautions Are in Place During the Tour?

The tour has participant guidelines to ensure safety, including no sandals, weapons, smoking, alcohol, or drugs. It’s not suitable for individuals with back problems, illness, or low fitness levels. Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are required.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants are not allowed to bring their own food or drinks on the tour. The tour guidelines state that smoking, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited during the 2-hour walking experience.

Is There an Option to Do a Private or Customized Tour?

Yes, the tour company offers private or customized tours for groups. Guests can request a private tour by contacting the operator directly. Customized tours allow visitors to tailor the experience to their interests and needs.

What Is the Minimum Group Size Required for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a minimum group size. Participants can book individually, and the tour experience is designed for both solo travelers and small groups. The company accommodates bookings of all sizes.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour does not offer any discounts for students or seniors. The price is a flat rate of $33.25 per person regardless of age or student status, based on the information provided.

The Sum Up

The "Charleston: Frankly Charleston Black History Walking Tour" offers a captivating and enlightening exploration of Charleston’s rich African American heritage. Participants can explore the Gullah culture, hear powerful stories of slavery and resilience, and gain insights into the invaluable contributions of enslaved African Americans. This thought-provoking tour encourages an open-minded approach to understanding the city’s complex past, providing a unique opportunity to engage with Charleston’s vibrant history.

You can check availability for your dates here: