Throughout history, Black luminaries have sought refuge in spaces that nurtured their creativity, activism, and personal growth. From historic homes to private retreats, these sanctuaries provided solace and inspiration.
Here are seven Black icons and the places they called sacred:
1. Maya Angelou – Harlem Brownstone
Renowned poet and activist Maya Angelou found comfort and inspiration in her Harlem brownstone. Purchased in 2002, Angelou’s 5,640-square-foot home became a gathering place for intellectuals, artists, and activists, where conversations on civil rights and literature flourished. The walls of her home reflected her love for African art and culture, embodying a space of wisdom and empowerment.
2. Nina Simone – Liberia Retreat
The High Priestess of Soul, Nina Simone, found respite in Liberia in the 1970s, escaping the racial turmoil of the United States. In this West African sanctuary, she rediscovered her sense of self, surrounded by the sounds of the ocean and the warmth of a community that embraced her artistry and activism.
3. Madam C.J. Walker – Villa Lewaro
America’s first female self-made millionaire, Madam C.J. Walker, built Villa Lewaro in New York as a testament to Black excellence. This grand estate served as a hub for influential Black leaders, offering a luxurious yet empowering space where Walker mentored young entrepreneurs and championed economic independence for Black women.
4. James Baldwin – Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France
Novelist and activist James Baldwin found peace in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a small village in the south of France. In this tranquil setting, he wrote some of his most influential works on race, identity, and belonging, all while welcoming fellow artists and intellectuals into his home for deep discussions on justice and art.
5. Frederick Douglass – Cedar Hill, Washington, D.C.
Abolitionist and statesman Frederick Douglass made Cedar Hill in Washington, D.C., his home in the latter part of his life. Overlooking the Anacostia River, this residence served as both a personal sanctuary and a place of advocacy, where Douglass continued his fight for equality and justice.
6. Martin Luther King Jr. – Dexter Avenue Baptist Church Parsonage, Alabama
Before becoming a national civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. lived in the parsonage of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. It was from this modest home that he organized the Montgomery Bus Boycott, shaping the course of American history with his leadership and vision.
7. Harriet Tubman – Auburn, New York
Abolitionist and freedom fighter Harriet Tubman made her home in Auburn, New York, where she established a haven for formerly enslaved individuals. Her residence was not only a personal sanctuary but also a beacon of liberation, embodying her lifelong commitment to justice and community upliftment.
Each of these spaces reflects the personal journeys of these Black icons, demonstrating the significance of having a sanctuary to dream, create, and heal.