On Saturday, December 27th, there was a gathering on American Beach for a capstone celebration marking 90 historic remarkable years. Preceded by eleven other events held during the year to celebrate the 90th anniversary theme: “Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present and Embracing the Future.” Organized by the Friends of American Beach Club members and held at Amelia River Club, the picturesque view of the Amelia River mesmerized 180 elegantly dressed guests, coupled with silver/gold decor, as Puff-n-Stuff catering provided an elevated array of tapas. Standing at the podium, Dr. Beverly Smith-Davis, chairperson of the planning committee, welcomed guests, praised members of the committee and thanked the event’s supporters, sponsors, attendees and local businesses who donated gift cards for door prize giveaways. After all the announcements, guests followed instructions to get on the dance floor and move to the music of Groove Coalition Band and Saxophonists/DJ Pierre Kendrick. “Boots were on the ground” as Roalisa Harden lead line dancing. The event raised more than 5k for the area’s dune clean-up, property management and quarterly event programs. Currently there are more than 39k active residents that live on American Beach, bringing guests, family and friends to visit local parks and area beaches.
Abraham Lincoln Lewis, the owner of Afro American Insurance Company, founded American Beach in 1935.. Located on Amelia Island, north of Jacksonville, this beach was first intended for Lewis’s employees, and it served as one of the few Florida beaches open to African Americans during segregation. Through the 1950s, the beach grew in notoriety and popularity, becoming a staple in the coastal Florida scene. Lewis’s great-granddaughters were MaVynee Betsch locally known as the “Beach Lady” and college president Johnetta Cole.
For more info visit: https://www.nps.gov/people/mavynee-beach-lady-betsch.htm