In an insightful article published in The Guardian, Andrew Lawrence shared his family’s experiences while vacationing in Florida amidst a travel advisory issued by the NAACP. Titled “‘Thanks for visiting Florida’: one Black family’s road trip to a ‘hostile’ tourist trap,” Lawrence shed light on the challenges faced by Black travelers and the impact of systemic racism on their holiday experiences under Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration.
Lawrence recounted his family’s decision to proceed with their Florida trip despite the NAACP advisory, which highlighted contempt and hostility toward marginalized communities. He mentioned the non-refundable deposit they had made for a vacation in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, known as the Redneck Riviera, a popular destination among Black overnight travelers in the United States.
The author expressed surprise at the lack of diversity in Santa Rosa Beach, especially considering its location along a stretch of state route that attracts various people, including Black and LGBTQ+ individuals. The author’s wife, an ex-navy psychologist, had anticipated a carefree week in the sun, but they found themselves questioning the demographics of the area.
Third-Largest Black Population in the US
Lawrence addressed the interpretation of the travel advisory, which some have construed as a call for boycotting Florida, especially following Republican senator Rick Scott’s own advisory warning against “socialists” and “communists” visiting the state. Despite the political climate and the state’s challenges, Lawrence emphasized that Florida is home to the third-largest Black population in the United States.
“There’s no doubt Florida’s latest political heel-turn has sunk its mass appeal to a low not seen since the 2000 presidential election. But it’s still home to the third-largest Black population among US states; that’s a lot of family, friends and hardworking folks left by the wayside. The more my wife and I thought about it, the more the reward of enjoying ourselves in Florida despite DeSantis outweighed the risk of offending the white parents at my kid’s school who considered the state a no-go,” the author stated.
He also talked about the historical context of systemic racism, referring to Andrew Kahrl’s book, “This Land Was Ours,” which highlights how Black individuals were pushed away from beaches in favor of a government-fueled tourism industry that primarily served white communities.
“It’s a heartbreaking story that draws from a slew of oral histories with Black people who lived through that phase of Jim Crow – not least Lodie Marie Robinson-Cyrille, who recalled her experience working at a Florida resort. ‘They wouldn’t allow Black[s] to swim in the Gulf or be seen on the beaches,’ she said. ‘The families could go and work in the hotels as cooks, as domestics, as maids, but they could not lounge or enjoy some of the same activities as, say, a tourist would enjoy.'”
Lawrence also shared personal experiences of their 3-year-old son and the struggles faced by his family in a region they had hoped would provide a connection to descendants of Gullah Geechee. Instead, they were surrounded by white visitors with a problematic perspective on history.
Disparities and Tensions
Throughout their vacation, the author and their family observed the disparities and tensions that exist in various tourist destinations. They recount encounters with individuals wearing politically charged attire but note that most interactions were generally amicable. Lawrence mentions an incident where a waiter shared that they were the first Black table he had served in weeks, highlighting the impact of the NAACP advisory on the number of Black visitors. Despite the challenges, the author found solace in the intimate conversations he experienced.
As their trip concluded, Lawrence reflected on the surreal atmosphere of Alys Beach, characterized by its predominantly white population and architecture that imitates the old world. He ponders the hidden idylls and the desire to explore further along the Gulf coast. Despite the risks and challenges, he said, there has never been a better time to explore the country as a Black traveler and emphasized the importance of venturing beyond comfort zones to foster personal growth and experiences.
Lawrence’s heartfelt account offers a glimpse into the complexities and realities faced by Black families on vacation, inviting readers to reflect on the ongoing racial tensions that persist within travel destinations.