It is clear that the long struggle for civil and human rights continues into the present day. As a cultural institution serving a diverse Beaches community, it is our responsibility to take an active role in facilitating change through historical and cultural knowledge. Of the Museum’s stated core values, one in particular is important now more than ever: the imperative that “understanding our distinct history helps to shape our future.” This core value in practice demands that we fearlessly preserve and share the distinct history and culture of all peoples of the Beaches area.

 

To this end, in recent years, we have worked to dispel the notion that the Beaches community has been untouched by anti-Black racism. We developed an exhibit detailing the history of the Jacksonville Beach Boardwalk that included its segregated nature throughout the Jim Crow era. The Museum’s work on recounting the history of Manhattan Beach – Florida’s first African American beach resort – emphasized the resiliency of the Black community in the face of discrimination. Spotlight exhibits created in partnership with the Rhoda L. Martin Cultural Heritage Center brought an awareness of the achievements of Black women in education and public service.

 

At this critical moment in time, we redouble our commitment to represent diverse voices in order to impart a more complete picture of our area’s history and culture to the public. Telling all histories and sharing these stories not only deepens our appreciation for our unique community but fulfills another of the Museum’s core values, which is to foster a sense of belonging for all. The way forward requires it.