Celebrating African American Heritage in Brownsville TN

February is Black History Month, a time to reflect on the people, places and stories that have shaped our communities and our country. In Brownsville, Tennessee, African American history isn’t confined to the past - it lives in schools, churches, music, art and the resilience of generations who built this town.

Known as Soul Town Tennessee, Brownsville offers visitors an authentic opportunity to explore African American heritage in a place where these stories originated and continue to matter.

Here are two must-visit places that honor Brownsville’s rich African American history.

Dunbar Carver Museum
(709 East Jefferson St., Brownsville TN 38012)

The Dunbar Carver Museum stands as a cornerstone of African American history in Haywood County. Dedicated to preserving the legacy of Carver High School, the museum chronicles more than 100 years of education, achievement, and community leadership.

Inside, visitors learn about educators, athletes, artists and civic leaders who went on to make an impact far beyond Brownsville. The museum is not only a place of remembrance, it’s a celebration of excellence and perseverance.

Why visit: To understand how education shaped generations and continues to inspire pride in the community.

Tina Turner Museum at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center
(121 Sunny Hill Cove, Brownsville TN 38012)

Housed in Flagg Grove School, a one-room African American school, this museum tells the early story of education for black children and was the childhood school of one of the most influential performers in the world - Tina Turner.

Through exhibits, memorabilia, and photographs, visitors gain insight into Tina Turner’s roots in Haywood County and how her upbringing influenced her rise to global fame. The museum is part of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, making it a must-stop for music and history lovers alike.

Why visit: To experience the humble beginnings of a global icon inside one of the very places where her journey started.

Plan Your Black History Month Visit

Visiting Brownsville during Black History Month offers a meaningful opportunity to explore history where it happened and to support the people and places preserving it.

Whether you’re tracing the roots of American music, honoring educational legacy or discovering untold stories, Brownsville invites you to experience African American history in a way that feels personal and real.

Soul Town Tennessee is more than a destination—it’s a living story.