September 23 …

The Ben Moore Hotel is an iconic establishment that has played a pivotal role in the history and culture of the region.

The hotel — located in Montgomery, AL — was built by African American entrepreneur Matthew Franklin Moore, who named the building after his father, Benjamin Moore, a former slave. Opening on September 23, 1951, the hotel emerged during the era of the Jim Crow South, a time marked by widespread racial segregation.

Moore envisioned a venue that would not only offer quality accommodations for Black travelers, but also act as a community hub for social and cultural events. Along with the hotel venture, the building also housed a barbershop, cafe or restaurant, and other retail businesses, so it met the everyday needs of the local Black community and fostered a sense of belonging and empowerment.

The hotel’s importance grew as it became a popular lodging choice for travelers during the era’s social transformation. It was listed in The Negro Motorist Green-Book, which served as an essential travel guide for African American travelers during the era of segregation. Being included in the Green-Book highlighted its significance as a reliable and hospitable venue for Black travelers. Its inclusion not only underscored its importance in Montgomery’s historical context, but also illustrated its role in promoting safe travel and community among African Americans during a challenging period in American history.

Almost immediately, the hotel became a vital resource for African American travelers who had previously encountered limited options due to discriminatory practices in the hospitality sector. It quickly became known not just for its hospitality, but as a hub of social and cultural activities. Of note were the Majestic Cafe on the main floor and a social club on the top floor that helped to make the building a vibrant center of its community.

Throughout its history, the building attracted a diverse array of distinguished guests, including local leaders, civil rights activists, especially during the Civil Rights Movement. Influential figures patronized the businesses located in the building. They included Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who often visited the barbershop or met with others like Ralph David Abernathy and Hosea Williams in the cafe to plan their pursuit of equality — the Dexter Avenue Church Parsonage where King lived for many years is just yards away.

The building also served as a gathering place for community events, where its walls resonated with discussions that would help shape American history.

Empty for decades, today the hotel is under the protection of The Conservation Fund. Efforts are underway to renovate and revitalize the building, with potential plans that range from making it a museum, a hotel once again, or a community gathering place — or a combination of any and/or all.

An indispensable part of Montgomery’s civil rights legacy, the Ben Moore Hotel has played a key role in nurturing community spirit during challenging times. And in various historical narratives, its status is solidified as a symbol of hope, resistance, and African American achievement.