Summertime is in full swing! Sankofa Impact is celebrating the season by sharing historic spots that have been safe havens for Black joy and rest for generations. May this summer bring you peace, restoration, and moments of love with your people.
Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard, MA – In the early 1900s, Oak Bluffs became a safe haven for Black families seeking summer vacation spots. Its nickname, “The Inkwell,” has debated origins—some say it was a term of pride among Black visitors, others a slur from white vacationers. Today, it remains a beloved destination for many Black families. It even inspired the 1994 film The Inkwell, starring Larenz Tate! Fun Fact: Our beloved Felicia Ishino dreams of living here someday!
The Black Pearl, Atlantic Beach, SC – In the 1940s–50s, Black investors created this seaside resort as an oasis for Southern Black families. It thrived with advertisements, big-name entertainers, and community joy. Sankofa Impact visited this historic site last year during the Honors: American South Pilgrimage.
“Black Eden,” Idlewild, MI – One of only three vacation spots for Black families in 1912, Idlewild became a vibrant community of Black property owners and cultural influencers. Though it later declined due to racist policies, revitalization efforts are underway today.
Sag Harbor, NY – In 1947, Maude Terry and Amaza Lee Meredith transformed unwanted land into a thriving Black vacation community. It soon attracted Black artists and creatives. Today, gentrification threatens this legacy as pandemic-driven demand reshapes the area.
Bruce’s Beach, CA – In the 1910s, Charles and Willa Bruce built a seaside resort for Black families in Manhattan Beach. In 1924, the city seized the land through eminent domain. Nearly a century later, in 2022, it was officially returned to their descendants.
American Beach, FL – Founded in 1935 by A.L. Lewis, American Beach became a rare space for Black families to enjoy the ocean freely. Its history lives on thanks to Lewis’s great-granddaughter, who dedicated her life to preserving its legacy.
