Summertime means vacations, getaways, beaches, and new adventures!
While it’s become easy for many to explore different vacation spots across the country, such actions weren’t always easy for Black Americans. Shut out due to segregation, Jim Crow laws, and other oppressive measures, Black Americans weren’t able to stay at hotels, visit resorts or even enjoy the same beaches as their white counterparts.
In response, affluent Black Americans started opening their own resorts, vacation home areas, and beaches across the nation in the 1890s and early 1900s. They would flock to these summer destinations to escape racism and enjoy community. While some resort towns have been lost to gentrification and land grabs over the years, others continue to persevere their heritage and popularity today.
Here are some historic Black resort towns to keep on your radar:
Highland Beach, Maryland
The oldest Black resort town in the country, this idyllic location was founded by Frederick Douglass‘ son, Charles, and his wife, Laura, in 1893. When they were denied service at a Chesapeake Bay restaurant, Charles dipped into the real estate industry and started buying beachfront properties to sell to politicians, friends, and family.
Now, descendants of the original settlers still own their homes and land, and Highland Beach continues to be a haven for Black people. You can enjoy the beach, visit nearby parks, take in history or even drop by Annapolis for a day.
Idlewild, Michigan
Idlewild, also known as “Black Eden,” was founded in 1912 after wealthy Black folks purchased land from white investors. Located amongst the Michigan wilderness, many prominent Black figures came here in the 1940s and 60s to enjoy hunting, fishing, and other athletic activities.
If you go to Idlewild today, you can still enjoy that open-air experience while exploring the town’s local stores and restaurants. Feel free to go canoeing, golfing, journey through…
Read the full article here
