The Black Informant | African American Commentary, News and Community Building

(surfsantamonica.com) Ink Well Beach, the 200-square-foot portion of Santa Monica State Beach that was once roped off and reserved only for African-Americans, will soon be awarded its own commemorative plaque by the City.

The City Council directed staff last year to research options for creating a plaque in honor of Ink Well Beach and surfer Nicolas “Nick” Rolando Gabaldon, who is historically considered to be the first African-American surfer.

Rhonda Harper, an African-American female surfer, asked the City to install the plaque because many African-Americans and other minorities still frequent the former Ink Well Beach site between Bay and Bicknell streets south of Santa Monica Pier.

She said many beachgoers have no idea about the history behind Ink Well Beach or of the Gabaldon legend.

“There are two heroes here in Santa Monica that have not been recognized — Nick Gabaldon and the Ink Well Beach,” Harper said.

“My nieces and nephews look at me as a hero, because there are no other black female surfers that they know of. I have surfed everywhere, but this one particular spot in Santa Monica is so important to me, and I feel the City of Santa Monica should recognize it.”

Harper said she surfs in Los Angeles, Hawaii and Costa Rica, among other sites.

Currently, the Ink Well Beach site is home to a storm drain and a Millennium Tree that comes with a plaque. (more…)

A storm drain? That’s messed up.

Anyway, I’m glad they are doing this (hmmmm, I’ve been wanting to take my kids to the Af-Am history museum in LA, but they were too young. I think now is a good time to make the trip.)