Jacksonville’s native daughter Johnetta Cole, former President Emeritus of Spellman College, and great granddaughter of Abraham Lincoln “AL” Lewis was the guest speaker celebrating the 90th anniversary of American Beach on Amelia, Island. The ‘Jazz at American Beach – Cabaret Style Fundraiser,’ featured music, dinner, museum tour and oral history synopsis detailing the coveted beach iconic black history, culture and legacy.
A highlight of the festivities was a surprise discussion by the great great granddaughter of the beaches founder, noted historian Dr. Johnette Cole. The always personable Cole shared with the audience growing up on the sands of the beach and her family’s contributions which have made the beach the cultural legacy it is today.
The sold out event was standing room only and featured local artists Akia Uwanda and Tracy Morris. Guests also enjoyed a riding tour of the beach, mocktails, food trucks, dancing and good times.
Founded in 1935, American Beach became the first beach in Florida to welcome African American travelers for overnight stays. That year, Abraham Lincoln Lewis, the head of the Afro-American Life Insurance Company and Florida’s first Black millionaire, purchased 33 acres of land on Amelia Island to create the resort. Between the 1940s and ‘50s, Black Americans traveled near and far to stay at the resort, purchase vacation homes, and spend time in an accepting environment. The area, now a registered historic district, experienced decline after integration but a resurgent began in the ’80s has continued into the present day.
The American Beach Museum, opened in 2014 to memorialize the beach’s heyday and local African American culture. “My wife and I were so overwhelmed with the love, history and knowledge in the room,” said Dean Roberts.
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