Charleston Uncovered: Delving into African American History
4.9
57 Ratings
Charleston
Uncover the hidden truths of African American history in Charleston. Explore the legacy of slavery, the Gullah culture, and the wealth of free People of Color on this eye-opening tour.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church - Historic African American Church in Charleston.
  • Second Presbyterian Church - Historic Church in Charleston.
  • Aiken-Rhett House - Historic house in Charleston
What's Included
  • Flexible accommodation for guest requests within reason
  • Pets are welcome, but guests are responsible for their cleanliness
What's Not Included
  • No Alcoholic Beverages.
Additional Information

In the examination of the acknowledgments made toward the role and contributions of African Americans since America’s inception, it can be noted that there’s a suspension or denial in comparison to the systemic racism that thrives in this country, justified by tradition and cultural heritage. What stops America from adapting with the times?

Venture with us as we expose the lesser-known Charleston, and the conventional mindset behind slavery in this country - or more specifically, in the Low Country Charles Towne. Were our origins traced to GULLAH? Or were we rooted in AFRICAN ancestry? What was the gain in remaining subservient? How affluent were the emancipated individuals of color?

Location
375 Meeting St
Meeting Street
We meet at the Charleston Welcome Center 375 Meeting Street. On the Ann Street side of the welcome center is a porch and we gather there.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(57 Ratings)
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Tasha_m
Jul 6, 2024
Always learning - Frank gave us what we came for. A true awareness of the African American contribution to the building of our nation through the lens of Charleston. Thank you for the education
Review provided by Viator
Jacklx8244bi
Jun 18, 2024
Insightful, thought provoking tour that goes under the surface of Charleston’s history - This guided tour is fantastic! Frank gave an extremely insightful and truthful tour of Charleston’s history - stories often untold by the history books. He is hugely charismatic and we learned a lot as we walked around Charleston about the contribution of African Americans to Charleston. Jack and Katie
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Drexh3
Jun 12, 2024
Storyteller’s History of Charleston - The best historians have a storyteller’s sensibilities. They understand timing, provide the right amount of details, know how to present the information in such a way that challenges the listener and respects their intelligence and of course are entertaining. Mr. Williams exemplifies this to the highest degree. His passion was contagious as he showed the group pieces of living history all through the city. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pioneer29149002652
May 30, 2024
The REAL history of Charleston - A “must do” If you want to know the real history of Charleston. Frank provides the stories of black Charleston and puts them in the context of how the city and culture was built, based on the enslaved people who lived here (most who were kidnapped to put it bluntly). It’s a small group walking tour with lots of interaction if you have an inquisitive group. Very educational. I was only aware of about 10% of what Frank highlighted. Frank also recommended additional reading and some black-owned restaurants (great soul food!).
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chikndina
May 29, 2024
Great tour - a must do activity while in Charleston!! - The Frankly Charleston tour was *the* reason I wanted to get to Charleston & Franklin did not disappoint! My in laws can trace their family to Charleston & the information we got while on this tour felt like we were learning our family’s history. Franklin is personable, knowledgeable & an invaluable historian. I’m so thankful that he is not only willing to share the information that he has researched and learned but that he includes everyone, listens to and answers questions, and when he doesn’t know the answer he tells you that too - along with resources to review on your own. The Frankly Charleston tour set the bar far above any other tour I’ve taken. Now let’s hope that Franklin puts his knowledge in writing so that we can continue learning about the Other Charleston even when we are 100s of miles away. This is the #1 thing to do that I will share with anyone I know who is visiting Charleston!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leoed
May 23, 2024
Best and most informative tour of Charleston - What a breath of fresh air this tour was. It was so educational and informative. I would have paid for a class at college if Frank was the professor. He made it interactive and open ended because he was not only the teacher, he was open to discussion or added information from us. It was a wonderful time. It went by soo quickly because it was entertaining as well. This is the Best tour I have ever been on in my 40 years of traveling around the world. Please go, it is more than worth it. Please don't be afraid of the 2 hour walking tour because it is roughly 2,000 to 3,000 which is doable for most people. Thank you soo much Frank.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pf4paris
Apr 17, 2024
Great walking tour - Franklin is knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate. His walking tour was an easy stroll during which he imparted so much valuable information on the black African history of Charleston.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
366catherinen
Mar 26, 2024
10 Stars - Informed, Personalized, Fun - If you are the kind of person who cannot arrive to a new city or experience without wondering, “how did we get here and who do we have to thank for what we see before us?” this tour is for you! Franklin took my husband, me, and another couple all around the beautiful, lesser-known neighborhoods of gorgeous Charleston. On the lovely walk, he weaved appreciation for the impressive architecture and beautiful gardens in with the critical history and contributions of the enslaved and their descendants. He had us hooked from the first stop of the tour! And the binder he brings along — and actually references throughout the tour - is enough for a full semester course! Franklin’s demeanor is a warm invitation for discourse, which we enjoyed plenty of on our tour. He seemed to allocate extra time on topics/landmarks based on our interest. Allow the full time and come curious! So thankful for Black and local perspectives to ensure the preservation of Black history in America. Highly recommend!! PS - The VacationsMadeEasy website where we bought tickets felt a little fishy but the payment was legit and the tickets went through! You meet under the arches area of the visitor center.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Road762345
Mar 20, 2024
Take this tour! - The tour was so informative and thorough. Franklin is so knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the real black history of Charleston. Take this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amy_g
Mar 9, 2024
Unforgettable experience! - Frank, thank you for showing us Charleston in a way that recognized the contributions of black Americans. Your passion was evident, and the 2 hours flew by. We did a tour of another city a few days later and we saw things through a different lens. Sincere thanks for the unforgettable experience.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
July 2024
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