There’s so much more to Virginia Beach than the sand, sun and surf that have put the city on the map. Tucked between its major attractions, you’ll find indelible marks of the African American community, which helped shape this coastal town through the centuries.
Step right into the past with visits to parks, churches and neighborhoods with historically strong ties to the area’s Black community. There are even plans for an innovative Virginia African American Cultural Center, expected to open in late 2028. Until then, discover some of the best places to learn about African American history in Virginia Beach.
First Landing State Park
Start your exploration at First Landing State Park. Built between 1933 and 1940 by an all-African American regiment (Company 1371), this 2,888-acre park was originally only open to white visitors. As a matter of fact, when African Americans filed a lawsuit to allow entry for all, local officials chose to close the park rather than desegregate it. It was only in 1965 that Black visitors were allowed inside—and only thanks to the changes that came about through the Civil Rights Movement.
Today, you can visit this beautiful greenspace and appreciate the work of Company 1371 simply by walking on the designated trails and admiring the planted trees and shrubs. Don’t miss the historical marker recognizing the hard work of Company 1371, located near the northwestern corner of the park.
Ebenezer Baptist Church
Started in 1859, Ebenezer Baptist Church is the oldest African American church in Virginia Beach. In its heyday, it was known for its stained glass windows, pedal organ and bell tower. While none of those features have survived the past century and a half, the church is still going strong. Enjoy the congregation for a Sunday service or admire the cozy church from the outside.
Union Baptist Church
Opened in 1862, just a few years after Ebenezer Baptist Church, Union Baptist Church VB became a cornerstone for the Black community in Virginia Beach. Once known as “Bush Shelter,” it served as a gathering place for Christians seeking to evade the dangers of slavery.
In 2011, Union Baptist Church made history again by electing the first female African American Baptist pastor in the greater Hampton Roads region. Like Ebenezer Baptist Church, you can stop by Union Baptist Church for a Sunday-morning service or drive by this historic brick building.
Nimmo United Methodist Church
While Ebenezer Baptist Church and Union Baptist Church were both started by enslaved and formerly enslaved African Americans, Nimmo United Methodist Church was founded by white residents in 1791. At the time, many churches were exclusively for white attendees, but Nimmo United Methodist Church did allow freed and enslaved Black people to attend as well,though they had a completely different experience from their white counterparts. Starting in 1840, they were relegated to a slave balcony, which you can still see today. You can also attend a service each Sunday—either the outdoor session at 9 a.m. or the traditional one at 11 a.m.—for the full church experience.
Seatack Community
Just a mile west of the famous Virginia Beach Oceanfront lies the Seatack community. With roots going back to the early 1800s (some sources say even the late 1700s), Seatack is one of the oldest Black communities in the United States. Even more uniquely, Seatack was mostly settled by free African Americans—an anomaly at the time since slavery was at its peak. As of 2024, the National Park Service officially listed the Seatack Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, Seatack continues to be a beloved residential area. During your visit, you can cruise around and admire the modest architecture, which continues to represent African American self-sufficiency during a time of widespread enslavement.
You can also check out the Joseph V. Grimstead, Sr. SeatackRecreation Center, named after a prominent African American leader and built on the site of what’s believed to be the nation’s first Black-owned and -operated fire department. No matter how you choose to explore, please remember to be respectful of the locals that live here.
L&J Gardens
Heading Inland, L&J Gardens is another noteworthy mention in Virginia Beach Black history. The 1954 neighborhood was created for middle-class African Americans during segregation. In 2022, L&J Gardens was added to Virginia’s State Register of Historic Places. To get a glimpse of this piece of history, cruise or stroll around the area.
Like Seatack, L&J Gardens is still a residential space. Please be respectful of the locals during your visit.
Virginia African American Cultural Center
With completion estimated by December 2028, the Virginia African American Cultural Center is set to house one of the best collections of Virginia’s African American history yet. It’s expected to feature museum-like exhibits with informative graphics, a mini research library and a basketball court to host various cultural events.
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- Black History
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- Virginia African American Cultural Center
Written by Sarah Etinas
As a full-time freelance travel writer and editor, Sarah Etinas is always on the lookout for her next adventure. With a passion for exploring new destinations, she's covered everything from the vibrant food scene in Hawaii to the stunning outdoor landscapes of Florida. Her work has been featured in renowned publications like TimeOut, TripAdvisor, Thrillist, and Lonely Planet. When she's not writing, Sarah practices what she preaches by hiking to beautiful waterfalls, visiting local markets, and dining on the most unique dishes she can find.
