The Inkwell Beach is a symbol of pride for many Islanders, especially African Americans, whose families have visited this stretch of sand for generations. The beach - which is no longer than a football field and bookmarked on both sides by jetties - does not have the royal vistas of Lucy Vincent or the commercial appeal of South Beach. Nonetheless, summer days find the beach jam-packed with sunbathers and swimmers. People will show up at the crack of dawn to stake out a spot, just around the same time that members of the well-known Polar Bear Club are taking their morning swim.