Historically Black Beaches Reveal Legacy of Segregation and Resilience in U.S. Travel
The history of historically Black beaches in the U.S. sheds light on the impact of segregation on recreational spaces and the resilience of African American communities. During the Jim Crow era, Black individuals were often restricted from accessing many public 'blue spaces,' including beaches and waterways. In response, communities established their own recreational areas, such as the 'Black Pearl' section of Atlantic Beach near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and American Beach in Florida, founded by A.L. Lewis in 1935. These sites, along with others like Highland Beach, Maryland, and Chicken Bone Beach in Atlantic City, New Jersey, served as vital oases where Black Americans could relax, socialize, and enjoy entertainment without facing discrimination. These locations hosted prominent Black artists and provided essential services, contrasting sharply with the exclusionary practices prevalent elsewhere. Today, efforts are underway to preserve and share the stories of these places, with some transforming in... 
