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DFFAAHT JCoach Image.heic

Discover African-American Heritage

Journey through historic African American communities and learn about the story of the Clotilda and the emerging Civil Rights District.

PRESERVING HISTORY. SHARING STORIES.

A Living Legacy in Mobile

Through guided tours, historic markers, and educational programs, the trail brings to life the people, places, and events that shaped African American history in Mobile.

Photo Credit: Ginger Woechan, "Souls of Mobile"

44+

Historic Sites

15+

Years Preserving History

300+

Years of History

Audio Tour Stops

41

FEATURED EXPERIENCES

Tours That Bring History to Life

Explore the Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail—an immersive journey through Africatown and the legacy of the Clotilda.

A STORY THAT CHANGED HISTORY

The Clotilda & the Founding of Africatown

The Clotilda was the last known U.S. slave ship, illegally bringing about 110 captive Africans to Mobile in 1860 — more than 50 years after the trade was outlawed. Its survivors founded Africatown, a self-sustaining community that preserved their language and traditions. The wreck was confirmed in 2019.

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Photo Credit: Jason Treat, courtesy of the National Geographic Image Collection

EXPLORE THE TRAIL

Landmarks, Stories & Hidden History

Each stop reveals a deeper connection to the legacy of Africatown and beyond — the churches, homes, businesses, and courageous figures who shaped Mobile.

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FOR EDUCATORS & STUDENTS

Educational Experiences for Every Generation

From classroom resources to immersive field trips, DFFAAHT provides tools that bring history to life for students of all ages.

Honoring Keepers of Culture

The Griot Awards recognize individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving and sharing cultural heritage.

Robert Brazile NFL Hall of Fame.webp
Robert Lorenzo Brazile Jr. is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League.

Robert Brazille, NFL Hall of Fame, 2019

L. Rena Beckham, Birmingham, AL

The highlight to me was the history of the Clotilda and the African people brought here on it. They were of different tribes but had to band together to make an entirely new life for themselves and descendants in a world that was thrust on them.

Be Part of the Story

Support the preservation of African American history and help us continue sharing these important stories.

Join us for the upcoming Underground Railroad Bike Tour!

Join us for a powerful and educational 11-mile bike tour through historic Mobile, Alabama, tracing routes and stories connected to the Underground Railroad and local Black history.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 9:00 A.M.

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