How do we make sure Tampa’s Black history is not only preserved, but taught?

The segment, “Downtown Tampa Walking Tours Expose Local African American History,” introduced viewers to What It Was and our mission to bring Tampa’s Black history back into the places where it happened.

Behind every What It Was Walking Tour is a whole lot of research, a love for Tampa, and a belief that the stories of Black Tampa deserve to be seen, heard, and remembered.

We can tell you all day that What It Was Walking Tour is not your typical Tampa walking tour, but sometimes it’s better to let our guests show you.

In February 2026, What It Was Walking Tour was featured on FOX 13 Tampa Bay. FOX 13’s Danielle Zulkosky sat down with our CEO, JR Davis, to talk about the work we are doing to uncover and share Tampa’s Black history.

What stories are hiding in the streets of Downtown Tampa?