When you're visiting Tampa and you want a unique tour experience, you must come and support this black and woman owned business! Jamila, our tour guide, has done impeccable research, and she's a great story teller! While walking the streets of downtown Tampa, you are immersed into our Black/melanated American history. I don't want to spoil the aspects of the tour but I enjoyed our stop at the cemetery. There is not much that surprises me about the egregious things that have happened to us, Blacks and natives in our American history but Jamila gave us a piece of information that floored me. (It has something to do with the spiritual protection over Tampa during hurricanes). I brought along my friends and we made a friend, a woman who was in town from New Orleans who wanted a unique experience while visiting. We all hung out afterwards and all the ladies expressed how this was such a fun and unique, as well as engaging experience. We got our steps in, baby! I highly recommend this tour for every group imaginable, especially those who homeschool or who love Black history. Jamila is going to give you the most unadulterated version of history. You get so much value for the cost of the tour and kids are FREE! Thank you for such a great experience, Jamila! read more

An Eye-Opening and Essential Experience! Our friend group wanted to celebrate Kwanzaa this year by diving deeper into our city's history, and booking a tour with "What It Was Black History Walking Tour" was the best decision we could have made. We booked the 10:00 AM slot and met with Jamila, the owner. She is incredibly sweet, professional, and her depth of knowledge is truly impressive. We began our journey at the jazz statues in Perry Harvey Park and moved through historic Oaklawn Cemetery. Seeing the resting places of enslaved people and historical figures like Fortune Taylor (the namesake of the Tampa street and bridge) really brought the past to life. As we walked through downtown, Jamila shared the untold--and often uncomfortable--history of the city, including the systematic coverups and the historical mistreatment of the Black community, such as the forced vaccinations during the measles outbreak and wrongful arrests. It was an eye-opening, moving, and somber experience that everyone should have. If you want to learn the truth and honor those often left out of the history books, I cannot recommend Jamila and this tour enough! read more

I had an amazing experience on this one of a kind tour. My tour guide Jameliah was more than gracious by squeezing me in at short notice since I was leaving town. She began the tour discussing the deep rich history of how downtown Tampa became a stop for entertainment and thriving black businesses. As we continued the tour she explained in great detailed with names and dates the unique black history of Tampa and how pivotal were women in creating it. We finished with an understanding of how history is shaping today. The walking was modest as she took her time to truly explain each landmark so for those who can't walk much can still enjoy. Again, Jameliah thoughtful touch was added by offering fans for the Tampa heat. I encourage those who love black history broken down into understanding and appreciation of our ancestors experiences Take The What it Was tour. I would definitely do it again! read more

I absolutely loved the "What It Was" walking tour in Tampa! From start to finish, it was informative, eye-opening, and deeply engaging. The guide shared stories and historical nuggets that you simply can't find on Google--real local history that added so much depth and richness to places I've passed by without a second thought. What really stood out to me was how the tour honored the legacy of Black communities in Tampa and brought to light the people, places, and events that helped shape the city. It wasn't just a tour--it felt like a journey through a living archive. I left feeling inspired, more informed, and deeply connected to Tampa's layered history. If you're in Tampa and love history, storytelling, or just want to experience something different and meaningful, do not miss this tour. It's truly a hidden gem! read more

I recently experienced an incredible Black history walking tour, and I'm so glad I went. I learned so much about the county and city I've known my whole life--especially about parts of its history in the 1800s and early 1900s that I never fully knew. The tour also connected that history all the way through present day, which made the experience even more powerful. The instructor did an amazing job bringing the past to life with detailed storytelling that truly helped us visualize different time periods and understand how they connect to today. It was eye-opening, meaningful, and something I'd highly recommend--not just for locals, but for anyone visiting Tampa who wants to better understand the city's deep African American history and cultural roots. read more

The "What It Was" Tampa Black History Walking Tour was nothing short of AMAZING. Our Tour Guide, Jamila, was very knowledgeable, personable, and literally transported us back to a time long past, via her impassioned, thorough narrative throughout the tour. I have resided in the Tampa area for 38 years and was familiar with some of the rich history of the city's early Black residents and landmarks, but this tour expanded my knowledge exponentially! I highly recommend this Walking Tour to not just a particular demographic, but ANYONE interested in learning more about Tampa's history, in general. read more

We had an amazing experience with Jamila from What It Was Walking Tour! She led such an engaging and thoughtful tour for our Blue Star Families group and truly brought Tampa's history to life. Jamila did a wonderful job weaving together Black history and military history, helping our families better understand the community they call home and the stories that have shaped it. We walked away learning so much, feeling more connected to Tampa, and already talking about coming back for another tour. Hands down one of the BEST tours we've done--Jamila was fantastic. Highly recommend! read more

I have been living in Tampa for over 20 years now and have always felt the urge and necessity to learn about black history, my ancestral history, in Tampa. If you've done your research then you have learned that Tampa does not have many (if any), black educational/cultural resource institutes, which was sad and inconvenient until I found this tour. Jamila and her "What It Was Walking Tour" is definitely a beacon of light to the community of Tampa. She literally leads you on a journey to black excellence that you don't want to miss. read more

What It Was Walking Tour in Tampa, Florida, is a heartfelt look at African American history and culture. Guided by enthusiastic lady named Jamila, this walk through historic neighborhoods shares inspiring stories of strength and success that reflect the spirit of the community. It's more than just learning; it's a celebration of the important role Black individuals have played in shaping Tampa, making it a meaningful experience for everyone who joins. read more

Absolutely loved this tour!!! Jamila is truly and fanatic for history and you can tell by the excitement and energy she brings while on the tour. She tells interesting, unique, and overlooked stories of the black history of downtown Tampa's past. I highly recommend for anyone who interested in learning something new and DIFFERENT. She even made my kids enjoy the tour because of her charisma and upbeat vibe. read more

Honestly an amazing walking tour. We got to learn some rich history about Tampa and Hillsborough County. Definitely one to book if you're looking for wanting to know how amazing and resilient the backbone of Tampa really is. Women owning land, an unforgettable love, and organizations and key people who shaped this City. Thank you, Jamila for making this a tour to remember and want to come back to. read more

Last night, I was blessed to experience the walking tour with Jamila. I learned so much about this city that I've called home since the late 90s. So much rich African-American history here. Some good , some bad but still we stand. The host was very knowledgeable and very patient in answering any questions that I had. I would recommend this walking tour over and over again! read more

This was an absolute GREAT experience. We were a small group of family members 4 of us and we learned so much! I highly recommend the tour and host was very accommodating and knowledgeable even when asked about Tampa history questions not on the tour. The tour is long so make sure that you are hydrated and have on comfortable shoes. I have been recommending it to everyone. read more

It was a great experience, very interesting and well curated. Jamila was very knowledgeable about some very important black history facts about the city of Tampa. It was an honor to walk the path of so many influential black leaders who paved the way and made many great contributions to the city of Tampa. May they never be forgotten and their stories never lost! read more

This is a great walking tour! From the 1800s until present day, there are trailblazers in Tampa which need more recognition. This tour gives them their flowers . The tour highlighted individuals who overcame adversity and entrepreneurs who took pride in their accomplishments. It's a great way to step back in time to learn more about Tampa's origins. read more

Our guide was knowledgeable. The tour was filled with interesting and little-known facts about Tampa and surrounding areas. It's one thing to know that Black history is, in fact, all our history. It's something entirely different to recognize, understand, and feel how these long-ago stories intertwine with and impact our current everyday lives. read more

so fun and informative! Jamila was an amazing tour guide and host with plenty of insight and knowledge that showed myself and my group of friends a whole new perspective on the place we call home! this tour is a must-book and a unique alternative way to enjoy an evening out in dwtn Tampa while getting your steps in! read more

What It Was Walking Tour is an exceptional learning experience that I would highly recommend to everyone! Our tour guide "JP" is an amazing historian and painted the past in such vivid colors it made the walk fun and exciting. I highly recommend this tour to all ages...it's a fantastic outing! read more

Omg, the history about Tampa is next level. Our Tour Guide, Jamila was very knowledgeable about this city. If you're wanting to more about Tampa, book a tour with What it Was Walking Tour. You will have fun and learn things you didn't know about Tampa while getting your steps in. read more