History of American Beach from AmeliaIsland.com
The driving force behind the conception of American Beach was Abraham Lincoln Lewis, one of the original founders in 1901 of Jacksonville, Florida’s Afro-American Life Insurance Company. Lewis was a man with little formal education who became a world traveler, visionary investor, philanthropist, and Florida’s first African American millionaire. The African American resort community of American Beach was established in 1935 in defiance of segregation and the prevailing Jim Crow laws of that era. When first mapped out, the streets of American Beach were named for the Afro’s founders and their families.
Encompassing 216 acres, American Beach became known as “The Negro Ocean Playground”….a place for “recreation and relaxation without humiliation”. As the numbers of visitors grew, businesses sprang up providing food, lodging and entertainment. Performers who appeared at American Beach during its heyday include Duke Ellington and other popular musicians of the ‘40s and ‘50s.
Get more information here: https://www.ameliaisland.com/things-to-do/Culture-Tours/American-Beach-Museum
Thursday, September 5, 6:30 pm
A.L. LEWIS LEGACY AWARDS with host Danny Glover Honoring Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole
Join the American Beach Museum for evening of elegance as we honor the extraordinary life and accomplishments of Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, great-granddaughter of American Beach co-founder, Abraham Lincoln Lewis. The A. L. Lewis Historical Society recognizes this luminary trailblazer who has made enduring and indelible marks on our nation and culture.
Hosted by award-winning actor, director and activist, Danny Glover, this promises to be an unforgettable night.
Friday, September 6, 3 pm
HIGH TEA IN THE SPIRIT with Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole & Susan L. Taylor
Join us for an evening of elegance as we honor the extraordinary life and accomplishments of Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, great-granddaughter of American Beach co-founder, Abraham Lincoln Lewis. The A. L. Lewis Historical Society recognizes this luminary trailblazer who has made enduring and indelible marks on our nation and culture.
Hosted by award-winning actor, director and activist, Danny Glover, this promises to be an unforgettable night.
These are just a sampling of the vents for the full list of events check here: https://americanbeachmuseum.org/5th-anniversary-celebration/
Click the “Purchase Tickets” button below to purchase your tickets today;
or visit our website, www.americanbeachmuseum.org, for more details.
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Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes :)
