Kendrick B. Meek Hails Historical Significance of Virginia Key Beach Park of Miami

U.S. Representative Kendrick B. Meek released the following statement regarding House Resolution 361, which recognizes the historical significance of Virginia Key Beach Park of Miami, Florida:

“Today, I rise in support of House Resolution 361, which recognizes the historical significance of the Virginia Key Beach Park of Miami, Florida. This Resolution recognizes the importance of a park that despite being born through the scourge of segregation grew to become an important part of South Florida culture. This park, which is now on the National Register of Historic Places and has a Florida Historical Marker, has a unique importance to South Florida and I commend my colleague, Rep. Ros-Lehtinen for introducing and bringing this Resolution to the floor. I am honored to be the lead Democratic cosponsor on this Resolution.”

“From 1945 until 1982, Virginia Key Beach played an important role in the lives of South Floridians. In 1962, Virginia Key Park was created for African Americans, who had no place where ‘colored’ people could enjoy the legendary beaches along and in the waters of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Through the hard work of many, including Lawson B. Thomas and then-County Commissioner Charles H. Crandon, Virginia Key Park was created and quickly became a popular place of recreation for African Americans.”

“By 1962, desegregation led to widespread enjoyment of beautiful Virginia Key Park. Unfortunately, without the support that the park enjoyed before desegregation and with the City of Miami unprepared for the costs of maintaining the park, the park closed in 1982 and an important part of South Florida history was lost.”

“But the African American community never forgot the park and its role to the community. By 1990, the City of Miami Commission established the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust to restore, reopen, and preserve the site for public use. The late community leader M. Athalie Range worked diligently to save Virginia Key Beach Park from the grasp of developers, and deliver it back to the people.”

“I applaud the efforts of Rep. Ros-Lehtinen in recognizing the cultural importance of Virginia Key Park and honoring efforts of those community leaders like M. Athalie Range and my mother, former-Representative Meek, to preserve our South Floridian cultural heritage.”