As the summer begins to wind down, many people are looking to get in that last quick weekend getaway. If that’s you, why not explore a few hotels you may not normally have on your list of black-owned hotels?
According to the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators, and Developers, there are about 58,000 hotels in the U.S. Of those, over 500 are owned by African-Americans. The concept of Black-owned hotels began back in 1869. That’s when businessman James Wormley opened the first integrated hotel in Washington, D.C. The Wormley Hotel is considered to be the first Black-owned luxury hotel in the country.
Meanwhile, in Greensboro, NC, there was the Gist Family who owned Magnolia House. They purchased it in 1949. BlackSouthernBelle.com says the Magnolia House is the first Black hotel listed as a National Historic Hotel and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been revived and still functions today.
And then there’s the Morgan and Wells Bed & Breakfast located in Shelby, NC. Its owners managed to create a refined and relaxed experience for its guests. Many of these black-owned establishments were listed in the infamous Green Book. This was the guidebook published back in 1969 to help Black road trippers.
No matter how you plan to wrap up the summer, there is no better way to escape than to a quaint hotel rich in history and culture. Check out these six black-owned hotels in the South.
