Black Spring Break Boycott Leaves Biloxi Beaches Sparse, Raises Economic Concerns

BILOXI, Miss. (BuzzReport) — What is typically one of the busiest and most vibrant weekends along the Mississippi Gulf Coast has taken a noticeably quieter turn this year, as crowds associated with “Black Spring Break” have largely stayed away from Biloxi.

For years, the unofficial event has drawn thousands of visitors—many traveling from across the Southeast—to the beaches, hotels, and casinos along the coast. But in 2026, stretches of sand that would normally be packed with spring breakers instead have ample open space, reflecting a significant shift in travel decisions.

The decline follows calls for a boycott sparked by allegations of racial harassment and unequal treatment by city authorities during previous events. Many Black beachgoers chose to vacation elsewhere this year, citing concerns about how they were treated in Biloxi.

The controversy traces back to incidents during the 2025 spring break season, when tensions escalated between law enforcement and large groups of visitors. Videos and firsthand accounts circulated online, prompting widespread criticism and renewed scrutiny of how crowds—particularly those made up of predominantly Black visitors—were handled.

“We should be treated like all races when we are spending our money in Biloxi or any city,” said Melissa Fagan, a frequent spring break visitor. “The color of our skin should not dictate how we are treated. In fact, we were bringing lots of tax dollars to the city and filling up hotels.”

Fagan added that the use of force in some situations left many feeling unwelcome. “When you have to use force to push us out for no reason, then that’s a problem. If we are not allowed to have a good time like others, our money is not allowed to be left in an unwanted or unappreciated city,” she said.

Economic Impact

The absence of Black Spring Break visitors is expected to have a measurable economic impact on the region. While exact figures vary year to year, tourism officials and local business groups have previously estimated that the event brings in several million dollars in direct spending over just a few days.

Industry estimates suggest that during peak years, Black Spring Break crowds contributed between $5 million and $10 million in revenue to the local economy. This includes hotel bookings, restaurant sales, retail purchases, transportation, and entertainment spending.

Hotels along the coast have historically reported near-capacity occupancy during the event, while restaurants, beach vendors, and nightlife venues often see some of their highest sales of the year. In addition, local governments benefit from increased tax revenue tied to tourism-related spending.

This year, however, some businesses are reporting slower-than-usual traffic for what is typically a lucrative period. The reduced influx of visitors has raised concerns among business owners about lost revenue and the long-term implications if the boycott continues.

Looking Ahead

City leaders have not publicly announced any major policy changes in response to the boycott, but the situation has intensified conversations about tourism, public safety, and inclusivity in Biloxi.

As other Gulf Coast destinations and cities across the South welcome displaced spring break crowds, Biloxi faces the challenge of rebuilding trust with a group that has historically played a significant role in its tourism economy.

Whether those visitors will return in future years may depend on how local officials address the concerns raised—and whether meaningful changes are made to ensure all tourists feel equally welcome along Mississippi’s shores.