NAACP members pack Miami Beach City Hall in fight to keep Urban Beach Week

NAACP believes city's plan targets black beachgoers

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Members of the NAACP attended a Miami Beach commission meeting Wednesday night to voice their views about ending Memorial Day weekend celebrations in the city.

The holiday weekend, which is often referred to in Miami Beach as Urban Beach Week, has traditionally been popular among the black community in South Florida and across the country. But the NAACP believes that the city's plan is targeting black beachgoers.

Last month, several shootings took place during the holiday weekend, including one officer-involved shooting that left a man dead.

Since then, some have called for an end to Urban Beach Week, including Commissioner Michael Grieco. 

"Everybody is not welcome in the city of Miami Beach if you're going to come here and victimize people," Grieco said.

Members of the NAACP voiced their thoughts on the issue.

"I offer no apologies for my race," Shirley Johnson, the president of the Miami Chapter of the NAACP, said. 

This year, Miami Beach officials approved a military air show to take place during Memorial Day weekend, and many saw the approval of the show as an attempt to change the party scene on the beach.

NAACP member Ruban Roberts said he hopes city officials can find solutions to work with those who support Urban Beach Week.

During the meeting, Roberts told the commission he wanted the city to recognize the unofficial celebration and help keep it on the beach, adding that he didn't want it to be racially targeted. 

"It's not about race," Grieco said. 

"It doesn't seem like it's equal anymore," Johnson said. 

"On that we'll have to disagree," Grieco said. 

"When you get a chance, play this tape back and listen to yourself," Roberts said.

His comments were met with applause. 


About the Author:

Christian De La Rosa joined Local 10 News in April 2017 after spending time as a reporter and anchor in Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando and Panama City Beach.