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Inkwell Beach

Inkwell Beach, also known as the Bay Street Beach, is a historic site in Santa Monica, California. It was one of the only beaches in Southern California that was open to African-Americans during racial segregation. It became a black beach in 1924 and was very popular hangout among African Americans into the 1960s. Although the name "inkwell" was used disparagingly by whites, the name was adopted by some members of the black community as a source of pride; others rejected it as racist.

History

During the period of de facto racial segregation, non-white people were not allowed in public beaches and pools. Inkwell Beach in Santa Monica and Bruce's Beach in Manhattan Beach were beaches where African-Americans experienced less racial harassment than at other beaches, although they were sometimes still harassed by the local whites, the police, and the Klu Klux Klan.

The first documented black surfer, Nick Gabaldon, used to surf at Inkwell Beach.

In 2008, the city of Santa Monica installed a monument on the site of Inkwell Beach to commemorate it's history. In 2019, the Bay Street Beach Historic District was nominated for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

References