The Stories of Building the Black Beach Community of Ocean City, North Carolina

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

The Stories of Building the Black Beach Community of Ocean City, North Carolina shares a provocative story about a small Black beach community on North Topsail Island, North Carolina. Hope Jackson argues that stories like these not only offer a rich, untold perspective about Black lives, but also shares the depth of this Black community despite originating under the threat of violence in the segregated South. Brick by Brick acknowledges the defiance of a group of Black individuals who, collectively, provided a recreational oceanfront haven. These radical Black folks created a safe harbor for Blacks to visit, live, worship, and recreate in the midst of de facto segregation. The author reveals an embedded narrative which highlights the rebelliousness of Ocean City womens strategic mothering. Jackson shares how the impact of this location extended beyond a vacation by creating Christian worship opportunities and an Episcopal summer youth camp for Black youth. The Ocean City stories remind readers that despite Jim Crows demise, the need for a safe, recreational space remains necessary for Black people in todays society.

Author Bio

Hope Jackson is director of the Masters program in English and African-American Literature in the English Department at North Carolina A&T State University.