In 1999, when the City of Miami considered leasing part of Virginia Key to developers, the late City Commissioner Athalie Range called for the creation of a civil right parks on the Key to honor blacks who had fought against segregation.
Range told the New York Times then, “We forget about these things and when it comes to a point when someone wants to something else, you remember.” Developers Covet a Florida Island Beach That was Born of Racism, March 18, 1999).
Church picnics, dancing, barbecues and baseball games. This is where the memories resided. Family reunions, weddings and baptisms. This is where life was lived.
Memories date back nearly a century, before 1945, when a section of Virginia Key became a designated beach for blacks, and even before the Rickenbacker bridge was built.
As part of Black History Month, historic Virginia Key Beach Park will be hosting “Celebrating Family History Day” from noon to sunset, Sunday, Feb. 21.
“We’re inviting everyone to come and share their history,” said Kechi Okpala, the park’s marketing director. Okpala is encouraging people to dig up old family photo albums that show good times at Virginia Key Beach Park. And bring them to the park to pass around.
There will also be food, drum circles, dancing, children’s activities and prizes.
Virginia Key Beach Park is located at 4020 Virginia Beach Drive, Virginia Key. For more information, contact the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park Trust Trust at (305) 960-4600.
Map and directions: www.virginiakeybeachpark.net
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On Facebook: Friends of Virginia Key
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