Vivian Watkins grew up in the 1960s, but every day at Bunche Beach feels like just yesterday.
"You don't take life for granted. We were not owed anything, but we had to work hard," said Vivian. "It was really fun. We had my siblings and my cousins, and we would come out on the beach. I was able to help my aunt and uncle on the concession stand."
At her Aunt Rosalee and Uncle Mack's concession stand, Vivian would help them sell things like potato chips, pickle sausages, pickles, and candy.
"All of the fun candies they hardly make anymore," said Vivian.
Things were much different back then.
"You can't take away the history of things that actually happened," said Vivian.
The beach was named after Dr. Ralph Bunche, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1950.
A year earlier, in 1949, the beach was dedicated as the only beach in our area that Black people could go to.
"We did experience segregation, but our parents taught us that we all bleed red," said Vivian. "Even though it was heart-wrenching, I knew in my heart that my parents would be able to instill in us the right way to go. That segregation would soon end."
It wasn't until 1969 that Black people were able to enjoy other beaches.
"You don't take life for granted."
While life at this beach has changed, the memories and lessons learned are engrained.
"I don't have any grandkids, but I would hope to be able to bring grandkids to the Bunche Beach, as well as my nieces and nephews," said Vivian. "Through it all, we have continued to thrive and hold on to the morals and the values that we were taught."
To learn more about Black history in our area, go to The Lee County Black History Society website here .