Life on the Beach: Black Beach Communities, Real Estate Development and Preserving History

This program examines real estate development by corporate developers in historically African American beachfront communities and the impact it has on repressing history and stunting generational wealth. The recent return of California’s Bruce’s Beach to the descendants of Willa and Charles Bruce after nearly 100 years brought national attention to this matter. These communities, which are mainly located along the East Coast, were created by African Americans in the 1800s through 1950s as a result of exclusionary practices that prevented them from purchasing property in existing beachfront communities. There is a large demand for beachfront property, which drives up the purchasing price. Over time, these properties have been sold, sometimes under the actual property value and replaced with upscale lodging, marinas, and homes leaving no trace of the previous thriving community and continues to exclude residents who do not fall under a certain income bracket.

This program will focus on endeavors made to save and sustain affordable beach communities as part of an effort to acknowledge a forgotten part of American History. Through this discussion, librarians will learn how archiving and preservation, as well as research assistance are essential to preventing instances of overt and covert segregation and racism from being written out of history.

Target Audience:

Legal scholars, historians and researchers, librarians interested in diversity, equity and inclusion.