Sweet Auburn is the historic heart of Black Atlanta, a corridor where segregation forced Black Atlantans to build their own businesses and institutions and where they responded by creating one of America's most important centers of Black economic, political and cultural power. Don't make the mistake of thinking Sweet Auburn is just the street where the King sites are located. King is part of the story. The bigger story is how a neighborhood like this could produce him.

During segregation, Black Atlantans couldn't simply participate equally in Atlanta's white business establishment. So Auburn Avenue became home to Black banks, insurance companies, newspapers, doctors, lawyers, restaurants, churches, entertainment venues and professional offices. Black money circulated through Black institutions. Black professionals built careers. Black newspapers controlled our narrative. Black churches organized communities. Black people created space for themselves in a city determined to restrict where they could exist.

That's why Auburn Avenue became known as “Sweet Auburn.” And here's what makes this a BlkTravel experience: Walk it. You're going to encounter history that isn't polished. Some buildings survive beautifully. Some have changed. Some institutions remain active. Some are gone. Some parts of Auburn Avenue will make you think about what Black Atlanta built.

Other parts may make you think about what Black Atlanta has lost. Both reactions are part of the experience.