Sweet Auburn - Atlanta, Georgia

Address:Auburn Avenue
Atlanta, Georgia

The Sweet Auburn Historic District is a great example of African American accomplishment and success. The district, all along Auburn Avenue includes the Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth place, the Odd Fellows Building and Auditorium, and Big Bethel AME and First Congregational. The Royal Peacock Club, established in 1938 on Auburn Avenue, was an exclusive club that lead the country in African American culture, helping launch the careers of B.B. King, the Four Tops, the Tams, and Gladys Knight.

Auburn Avenue was originally settled as Union Army barracks after the Civil War, and was called Shermantown, after that army's general. The area quickly became a haven for African Americans, and over the next 150 years became the site of many historic "firsts" for the African American community. The first African American owned office building, the Rucker Building, was built here in 1904, by businessman and politician Henry A. Rucker. The Daily World, the first African American owned newspaper, was also established here, in 1928.

Walking tours are available, most of them starting at the corner of Howell and Irwin streets. To get there, take I-75/85 south to the Freedom Parkway exit (Carter Center) and turn right at your first opportunity onto International Boulevard. Follow the signs to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Parking is available on the north side of Irwin Street between Jackson and Boulevard.