MaVynee Betsch inherited a fortune but chose to give most of it away to conservation causes—and eventually lived on American Beach, the historic Florida shoreline founded for Black families by her great-grandfather, Abraham Lincoln Lewis. Lewis, remembered as Florida’s first Black millionaire, had taught MaVynee and her sister the importance of the “three Bs”: Bible, school book and bank book. His company helped create American Beach in 1935, giving Black families a place to enjoy the ocean during segregation. 🌊

MaVynee later became an opera singer, studying at Oberlin Conservatory and performing throughout Europe. When she returned to Florida, however, American Beach was changing. Development surrounded the community, and MaVynee became one of its most passionate defenders. She donated roughly $750,000, sold her inherited home and eventually lived simply, even sleeping on the beach. She became known as the “Beach Lady” and devoted herself to protecting the area.

Her greatest battle centered on NaNa, a towering sand dune she considered part of her family. After the dune was sold to Amelia Island Plantation, MaVynee fought against development using her voice, public appearances, tours and relentless activism. She helped secure historic recognition for American Beach and continued campaigning for the dune, even while battling cancer.

Her efforts eventually paid off. Amelia Island Plantation transferred NaNa and surrounding land to the National Park Service, and in 2004 Congress approved legislation placing 8.5 acres within the federal preserve. MaVynee died in 2005, and her ashes were scattered over NaNa and the ocean. Her seven-foot lock of hair remains on display at the American Beach Museum—a lasting reminder of the woman who sacrificed her wealth and comfort to protect a place that meant everything to her. ❤️