This past February, the vibrant community of Atlantic Beach, SC, came alive for a heartfelt gathering of engaging activities and meaningful moments that highlighted the significance of preserving this historic beach town.
The event began with a film screening of “A Legacy Lost and Found: Segregation in Recreation,” a powerful documentary produced by Dr. Nancy Dawson, which won Best Documentary at the South Carolina Afro South Film Festival in 2023. The film captivated the audience with its poignant exploration of segregation’s impact on recreational spaces. Participants were then treated to a bus tour of the town led by the esteemed historian Ms. Patricia Mallett, offering an in-depth look into the rich history of Atlantic Beach.
The celebration continued with a tour of Atlantic Oasis and Divine By The Beach, two new beach homes showcasing the revitalization efforts within the community. This was followed by a historic home tour led by Mrs. Helen Pierce, honoring the perseverance of long-time property owners who have contributed to the town’s enduring legacy.
Attendees enjoyed a delightful Gullah Geechee inspired lunch provided by C&G Bakery, accompanied by the refreshing brews of the Gullah Herbal Tea Tasting Experience by Passage Products. The day concluded with a spirit-lifting libation ceremony at the beach, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among all who attended.
We celebrate these shared moments, as we look toward the future and our ongoing efforts to preserve the restrictive covenants put in place in the 1930s by the town’s founder, George W. Tyson. These covenants, allowing for “one residential dwelling per lot” along the Atlantic Beach oceanfront, are crucial in protecting the vital coastal ecosystem and preventing the alteration and degradation of our cherished beachfront. They safeguard our distinctive coastline, ensuring it remains unmarred by the massive condominium and hotel developments that have obliterated many other historically Black beach towns.
We need your financial support to help us fight the legal battle to maintain these covenants, protecting Atlantic Beach from aggressive commercial development and preserving its unique character for future generations. Visit No Beachfront High Rises to donate and join us in our mission to honor and protect this historic community.
This inspiring occasion was hosted by STARD (Supporters for Tyson’s Ancestral Restriction on the Deeds) as a fundraiser event and sponsored as part of the annual International Gullah Geechee and African Diaspora (IGGAD) conference experience, given the Joyner Institute for Gullah and African Diaspora Studies of Coastal Carolina University. The IGGAD conference is devoted to promoting shared experiences and preserving cultural identity through the rich tapestry of histories and stories.
Together, we can ensure that Atlantic Beach remains a vibrant, enduring testament to our heritage, where history and nature coexist harmoniously. Thank you for your support.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Elaine Finney, Communications
STARD
http://reimagineatlanticbeachsc.com
(843) 755-6233
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