NEW ORLEANS — It’s been over half a century since Lincoln Beach was an epicenter of black life during segregation and the only beach open to black families during the Jim Crow Era.
Now, it’s neglected and even considered a safety hazard, but hopefully, that’s about to change.
“It’s really an exciting project to see unfold,” Historian Mia Kaplan said.
This month, Lincoln Beach was named a national historic site, opening it up to new funding opportunities.
“It does have the potential to open up funding in ways that didn’t previously exist,” Kaplan said.
According to historian Mia Kaplan, the designation will protect the beach’s integrity as the city prepares to reopen it to the public.
“It goes through a review process to make sure the work completed is respectful to the site,” Kaplan said.
Kaplan spearheaded efforts to have Lincoln Beach registered but says she was inspired by the people already making a difference.
“I was thinking, how can we get this cleaned up, and how can we get funding?” Reggie Ford said.
Reggie Ford started making trips to Lincoln Beach to clean up trash four years ago.
“I said let me go do something kids and locals can enjoy,” Ford said.
Moving forward, Ford and Kaplan say they’ll keep working with city and state leaders so Lincoln Beach can be full of life once more.
“This is a big deal, and it opens so much potential not just for the beach but for the entire area,” City Councilmember Oliver Thomas said.
The city is having two public meetings soon to get your input. The meetings are on July 25 and July 27 at the New Orleans East Opportunity Center. For times and how to register click here.
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