Black culture. Community. Scholarships.
The Pensacola Beacon is a nonprofit digital magazine celebrating Black culture, history, and community on the Gulf Coast. Every story funds the next generation.
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The Chitlin' Circuit: When Belmont-DeVilliers Was the Heart of Black Music
Before Motown, before Nashville, there was Belmont-DeVilliers. A look back at the Pensacola neighborhood that hosted the greatest names in Black music.
Latest Stories
2026 Beacon Scholarship Recipients Announced
Three outstanding students from Pensacola will receive full scholarships to study journalism and media. Meet the future of Black storytelling.
Jazz on the Gulf: Inside Pensacola's Thriving Live Music Scene
From intimate jazz clubs to outdoor festivals, Pensacola's Black musicians are keeping the city's musical heritage alive and evolving.
Community Spotlight: Chef Marcus Williams and the Taste of Belmont
How one chef is preserving Black culinary traditions while feeding a new generation in the heart of Pensacola.
Meet the Black-Owned Businesses Transforming Downtown Pensacola
From a specialty coffee roaster to an art gallery changing the conversation, these entrepreneurs are writing a new chapter for the city.
Fort Pickens: A Beacon of Freedom on the Gulf Coast
The Civil War-era fort on Santa Rosa Island was more than a military outpost. For freedom seekers, it was a gateway to a new life.