Tybee Island in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Tybee Island Orange Crush

Tybee Island Black History Trail

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

1. Tybee Island Orange Crush Marker

Inscription. Orange Crush made its formal debut in 1988 as a beach bash for Savannah State University students celebrating the end of the school year. Kenneth Flowe, one of the original organizers of Orange Crush, described how the intention of the event was to create something special for Savannah State - something that set them apart. The event was initially sponsored by the Savannah State Student Government Association, featuring a Mr. and Mrs. Orange Crush swimsuit competition, a volleyball competition and music on the beach. Orange Crush faced an uphill battle throughout its 30-year tenure on Tybee Island. Partygoers and promoters of Orange Crush engaged in ongoing clashes with residents and Tybee officials, charging them with racial discrimination and profiling.

(caption) Orange Crush still photo captured from video: WJCL, 2023

Erected 2024 by Tybee MLK Human Rights Organization. (Marker Number Stop 8.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1988.

Location. 31° 59.514′ N, 80° 50.816′ W. Marker is on Tybee Island,

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Georgia, in Chatham County. It is at the intersection of Strand Avenue and Tybrisa Street, on the right when traveling north on Strand Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1511 Strand Avenue, Tybee Island GA 31328, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Coastal Plain, on the Georgia Coast and the Golden Isles,

in Greater Savannah,

and on the Sea Islands.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Tybrisa Pier and Pavilion (here, next to this marker); Savannah Beach Wade-Ins (within shouting distance of this marker); Tybrisa Pavilion 1900/1996 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Tybrisa Pavilion II

Tybee Island Orange Crush Marker (left) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. Tybee Island Orange Crush Marker (left)

(within shouting distance of this marker); Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway (about 800 feet away); Nickie’s Fountain (about 800 feet away); James Adams’ Oyster House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Tybee Island Fish Camp (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tybee Island.

Another marker is no longer nearby. The Carbo House (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . .
1. The History of Orange Crush: A spring break to remember. (Submitted on July 20, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Tybee Black History Trail markers dedicated. ‘We’re learning about the people who lived here’. (Submitted on July 20, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Additional commentary.
1. The Tybee Island Black History Trail
“The Tybee Island Black History Trail documents the arrival of enslaved Africans at Lazaretto Creek Quarantine Station and follows their ancestral journey to present-day Tybee. The trail uncovers parts of Tybee Island’s history and geographies that remain unfamiliar to most people and explores

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the legacies of enslavement, segregation and the Civil Rights Movement, including efforts to desegregate Tybee Island’s White beach. The trail also highlights the ongoing efforts of organizations such as Tybee MLK Human Rights Organization , whose volunteers work tirelessly to retain these histories and bring awareness to their importance in the present.”
Tybee MLK Human Rights Organization

— Submitted July 21, 2024.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 20, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 242 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 20, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.