Black History

Atlantic City’s Black history is a story of resilience, innovation, and cultural brilliance that has shaped the city’s identity. Since its founding in 1854, Atlantic City has been a premier tourist destination, and the growth of the African American community during and after the Great Migration played a pivotal role in its rise as a vacation hotspot from the 1880s to the 1940s. The “Northside” flourished as a hub for Black-owned businesses, anchored by vibrant bars, restaurants, and the iconic music scene on Kentucky Avenue. The city’s history is filled with groundbreaking achievements, like Art Dorrington becoming the first African American hockey player to sign an NHL contract and later founding a program to teach hockey to underserved youth. It’s also the site of historic moments, such as Fannie Lou Hamer’s powerful speech during the 1964 Democratic National Convention at Boardwalk Hall, where she declared, "I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired." Even the sandy shores hold cultural significance. Missouri Avenue Beach, affectionately known as Chicken Bone Beach, was a haven for African Americans during segregation, hosting legendary performers like the Mills Brothers and Louis Jordan. Today, it stands as a historic landmark, symbolizing the rich cultural contributions of Atlantic City’s Black community. Through efforts to preserve this history and celebrate its enduring legacy, Atlantic City honors the past while inspiring future generations. From trailblazing achievements to cultural landmarks, the story of Black history in Atlantic City continues to thrive.

The Northside of Atlantic City was a historically African American neighborhood spanning roughly one mile on the city’s west side. Despite facing systemic challenges like redlining, which restricted investment and stifled generational wealth, the community thrived through the resilience and vision of its residents. Prominent Black investors and leaders, such as Leroy "Pop" Williams, helped shape the neighborhood with businesses and housing complexes that became cornerstones of the area. At its peak, the Northside was a vibrant hub, with bustling businesses lining Baltic and Mediterranean Avenues. Iconic landmarks like the Missouri Avenue Beach, fondly called "Chicken Bone Beach," and the legendary Club Harlem brought life and culture to the neighborhood. Though urban redevelopment led to the loss of many historic structures, the Northside’s legacy remains a vital part of Atlantic City’s rich history.

Chicken Bone Beach is a cherished symbol of resilience and community in Atlantic City’s history. During the era of segregation, this stretch of beach on the city’s coastline became a haven for African Americans, where families gathered and cultural icons like Duke Ellington and Sammy Davis Jr. would perform and relax. Though segregation separated this section of the shore, Chicken Bone Beach thrived as a lively cultural center for African Americans around 1900, filled with community spirit, legendary performers, and Black-owned businesses. Despite these barriers, it symbolized resilience and was recognized as a historic landmark in 1997. Today, annual jazz concerts honor its legacy. Today, Chicken Bone Beach stands as a powerful reminder of the city’s rich African American heritage and is celebrated through events and programs that honor its legacy and keep its story alive for future generations.

Atlantic City’s Black history is a testament to resilience, innovation, and cultural impact, shaped by trailblazers who broke barriers and inspired generations. Icons like Sara Spencer Washington, founder of the Apex News and Hair Company, revolutionized the beauty industry and became one of the nation’s first Black female millionaires, providing jobs and hope for countless African Americans. John Henry “Pop” Lloyd, a Baseball Hall of Famer and Negro League legend, left an enduring legacy celebrated at Pop Lloyd Stadium. Ralph Hunter Sr., founder of the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, has been instrumental in preserving the stories and artifacts of Black life in the region, ensuring that the contributions of Atlantic City’s African American community are celebrated and remembered. Jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie brought the vibrant sounds of bebop to Kentucky Avenue, while civil rights icon Fannie Lou Hamer delivered her historic challenge to racial injustice during the 1964 Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City. Pioneers like Henrietta Shelton, founder of the Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation, preserve this rich heritage through cultural programs and community events. Figures such as Art Dorrington, the first Black hockey player to sign an NHL contract, and journalist Claude J. Lewis, co-founder of the National Association of Black Journalists, have further contributed to Atlantic City’s profound legacy of breaking barriers. These milestones and individuals embody the strength, creativity, and progress that define Atlantic City’s Black history and its ongoing story today.

African American culture drives the vibrant and dynamic spirit of Atlantic City, shaping its identity and inspiring its future. Today, this culture thrives through innovative events, creative expressions, and a resilient community spirit that looks ahead while building on a strong foundation. Atlantic City continues to be a hub of creativity and opportunity, where African American culture inspires residents and visitors alike to dream bigger and create a brighter future together.