Fort Lauderdale in Broward County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Fort Lauderdale Beaches Wade-Ins
Photographed By Robert Cole, November 28, 2012
1. Fort Lauderdale Beaches Wade-Ins Marker
Inscription.
Fort Lauderdale Beaches Wade-Ins. . On July 4, 1961, local NAACP president Eula Johnson and black physician Dr. Von D. Mizell began a series of nationally publicized "wade-ins" of Fort Lauderdale beaches. Johnson, Mizell, a third black adult, and four black college students participated in the first "wade-in." As many as 200 African-American residents took part in subsequent "wade-ins" during July and August 1961. The demonstrations were prompted by Broward County's failure to build a road to provide access to "Colored Beach," the only beach available for people of color. In 1954, the county had purchased the beach (now part of John U. Lloyd State Park), promising African-Americans beach access and amenities. By 1961, the beach still lacked tables, restrooms, shelter, and fresh water, and only members of the black community served as lifeguards. On August 12, 1961, the City of Fort Lauderdale filed suit in Broward County Circuit Court against Johnson, Mizell, and the NAACP in an attempt to stop the "wade-ins." Nearly a year later, on July 11, 1962, Judge Ted Cabot denied the city's request. The decision effectively desegregated the county's beaches and marked a turning point in the struggle to desegregate all public facilities in Broward County.
On July 4, 1961, local NAACP president Eula Johnson and black physician Dr. Von D. Mizell began a series of nationally publicized "wade-ins" of Fort Lauderdale beaches. Johnson, Mizell, a third black adult, and four black college students participated in the first "wade-in." As many as 200 African-American residents took part in subsequent "wade-ins" during July and August 1961. The demonstrations were prompted by Broward County's failure to build a road to provide access to "Colored Beach," the only beach available for people of color. In 1954, the county had purchased the beach (now part of John U. Lloyd State Park), promising African-Americans beach access and amenities. By 1961, the beach still lacked tables, restrooms, shelter, and fresh water, and only members of the black community served as lifeguards. On August 12, 1961, the City of Fort Lauderdale filed suit in Broward County Circuit Court against Johnson, Mizell, and the NAACP in an attempt to stop the "wade-ins." Nearly a year later, on July 11, 1962, Judge Ted Cabot denied the city's request. The decision effectively desegregated the county's beaches and marked a turning point in the struggle to desegregate all public facilities in Broward County.
Erected 2011 by The City of Fort Lauderdale, The Florida Department of State. (Marker
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Number F-716.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights. A significant historical date for this entry is July 4, 1961.
Location. 26° 7.154′ N, 80° 6.271′ W. Marker is in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in Broward County. Marker is at the intersection of S. Fort Lauderdale Blvd. (State Road 1A) and E. Las Olas Blvd., on the right when traveling north on S. Fort Lauderdale Blvd.. Located directly to the right of the 1911-2011 Fort Lauderdale "100" centennial sign. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Lauderdale FL 33304, United States of America. Touch for directions.
3. Marker Alongside Latest Fort Lauderdale Beach Exhibit
As part of Fort Lauderdale's Light up the Beach event this year (Nov 2012) two giant lighted styrofoam and plastic bottle fish at Las Olas Blvd and A1A were constructed near the marker to kick off the holiday season.
Photographed By Bob Marshall, October 21, 2011
4. Fort Lauderdale Beaches Wade-Ins Marker
Marker can be seen to the right.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2011, by Bob Marshall of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,817 times since then and 94 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on December 17, 2012, by Cleo Robertson of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 4. submitted on October 26, 2011, by Bob Marshall of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.