Virginia Key Beach Becomes a Symbol of Black Resilience
M. Athalie Range saw more than sand and sea when she looked at Virginia Key Beach. For her, it was a place where the Black community found joy, dignity, and freedom when few other places welcomed them.
Though the beach was once segregated, it now stands as a national treasure and powerful symbol. Thanks to the leadership of people like Range, the 80-acre site was rescued from neglect and restored with purpose.
A Site Born Out of Protest and Hope
In 1945, a peaceful protest at a whites-only beach led officials to designate Virginia Key as a place for Black Miamians. This came after decades of exclusion, despite Black men helping to found the city of Miami in 1896.
Civil rights leaders like attorney Lawson E. Thomas risked their lives to demand access to the shore. The result was a beach that became a rare and vibrant hub for the Black community.
A Cultural Haven Through Segregation
Despite the injustice of segregation, the beach thrived. Families came for baptisms, sunrise services, and simple days of joy.
Virginia Key was not just a beach — it had dance floors, a mini train, cottages, and food stands. It welcomed civil rights leaders, Caribbean families, and African American visitors alike.
Closing and Decay Followed by Activism
After being acquired by the City of Miami in 1982, the beach was closed due to rising costs. It sat mostly abandoned. That changed in the late 1990s when residents discovered plans to replace it with a private resort.
That threat sparked new activism. M. Athalie Range, already in her 80s, declared, “I’ve got one more good fight left in me.” She worked with other leaders to form the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust and reclaim the space.
Restoring a Legacy for Future Generations
Range’s grandson, Patrick Range II, helped lead the restoration. He recalled clearing weeds and brush beside his grandmother.
By 2008, the park reopened with restored attractions — a mini train, pavilion, and historic signage. In 2002, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Patrick said, “To witness the return of these landmarks and remember what they meant during segregation was powerful.”
Today’s Leaders Build on Her Vision
Now led by Athalie Edwards, the park’s Trust continues the mission. She remembers learning to swim in its waters and hearing stories from elders.
“This is a place that reminds us how far we’ve come,” she said. The team is working to launch a Black history museum on the grounds.
Though the project has faced delays, a groundbreaking is expected this year. Edwards is also pushing to restore the playground and merry-go-round.
A Living Classroom and Celebration Ground
Virginia Key Beach is more than history — it’s active and alive. It hosts educational programs, cultural celebrations, and school visits that teach Black youth about their ancestors’ sacrifices.
“Our theme is ‘From Coastlines to Communities,’” Edwards said. “We want people to understand the journey our neighborhoods made to reclaim this space.”
Patrick Range sees the 80th anniversary as a call to keep pushing. “We still deserve a museum that reflects our truth,” he said.
The waves still roll. The palm trees still stand. And thanks to leaders like M. Athalie Range, the story of Virginia Key Beach continues.
