Thurgood Marsha Supreme Court Justice

The Coast One Tours LLC Experience

History that Moves YouAfrican American Experience on Amelia Island Fl by Coast One Tours LLCPreserving and Sharing the Legacy of American Beach & Beyond

Issue: III- Thurgood - Supreme Court Justice 2025

Spotlight on Black History

Middle Passage (MPCPM)

(Fernandina Beach, Florida) 

Amelia Island and the Middle Passage

Honoring the Journey. Preserving the Legacy.

Amelia Island holds a powerful and often untold connection to the Middle Passage, the transatlantic route that forcibly brought millions of Africans to the Americas. Although the United States banned the importation of enslaved Africans in 1808, Amelia Island’s strategic coastal location made it a secret entry point for illegal slave trading during the early 1800s.

Between 1817 and 1821, during a time of shifting Spanish, British, and American control, Amelia Island and its port at Fernandina became a hub for smugglers who captured Africans and funneled them into Southern markets. Many of these individuals were never recorded in history, but their presence and suffering remain part of the island’s story. more

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Today, Amelia Island is recognized by the Middle Passage Ceremonies and Port Markers Project, which commemorates ports across the Americas where enslaved Africans first set foot on land after the brutal transatlantic crossing. A historical marker stands in remembrance of those who endured the Middle Passage and in honor of their descendants who continue to shape the community.

At Coast One Tours, we are committed to preserving and sharing this vital history. Through education and storytelling, we honor the resilience, strength, and enduring legacy of the African men, women, and children whose journey began long before freedom’s shores.

Community Corner 

Spotlight: Monthly Volunteer & Support

Every 2nd Saturday of the month, a dedicated team of volunteers from Coast One Tours LLC, Elm Street Sportsman Club, C.R.E.E.D, and many community members come together to support the Barnabas Food Distribution efforts.

Their ongoing commitment helps ensure that families in need across our community receive essential food and care with dignity. We are deeply grateful for their time, energy, and heart.

Thank you to all who continue to show up and make a difference.

Free concert featuring the talented Imani Milele Choir, an inspiring group of young performers from Uganda, ages 4 to 15.

Their uplifting music, energetic dance, and vibrant cultural expressions shared a message of hope, faith, and resilience.

“Many thanks to the co-sponsors: Trinity UMC, Memorial UMC, and Fernandina Beach Church of Christ.  Special thanks to our contributors: Gracie’s Kitchen, The McArthur Family YMCA, Chick-fil-A, America’s Youth, Elm Street Sportsman Association and Peck High School Association.”

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Community Corner cont’d

This year marks the 90th Anniversary of the founding establishment of American Beach! “Celebrating Sankofa

to Go Forward.”

The American Beach Property Owners and Association Members continue to organize a variety of meaningful events. We invite you to explore the full schedule of activities and join as we reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and move forward together.

🔗 View upcoming events here: historicamericanbeach.com/events

Save-the-Date: 

90th Anniversary Gala Fundraiser 

1600 Julia Street, Fernandina Beach FL 32034, USA

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Partner Spotlight: 

Coast One Tours Partners with Keep Nassau Beautiful to Protect American Beach

Coast One Tours has proudly joined forces with the American Beach Community and Keep Nassau Beautiful to help preserve and protect the historic American Beach through ongoing clean-up efforts.

Giving back to the community is at the heart of our mission, and we’re honored to play a role in caring for a place that holds such rich history and cultural significance. 

Last opportunity in 2025 to participate  11/15/2025.

           Coast One Tours is certified, insured, licensed and bonded.

Walk in the Footsteps of Giants

Explore the rich history of American Beach aka “The Negro Ocean Play Ground. Discover its role in the Negro Motorist Green Book.  The legacy of the Middle Passage, the influence of Gullah/Geechee culture, and hear personal stories from your tour guide Ron Miller, who grew up visiting this historic shoreline.

“This tour was amazing and I couldn’t have asked for a better guide than Ron! He and his beautiful wife Avis are doing God’s work for sure! These beautiful people are leading the charge of preserving and teaching the rich history of our ancestors on American Beach! I’m a native of the area and didn’t know half of the information that was shared on the tour! This tour is a MUST!” KB

Tours Availability 

7 Days a Week  

Time: 0900 am - 5:00 pm

Choose a Time that works best for you 

Book online or by phone. Group & private tours available. 

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Join the JourneyReady to experience history like never before?Book Your Tour Today!

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"Reclaiming Our History, One Tour at a Time."

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