Atlantic City in Atlantic County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

William "Sonny" Lea

1934 -

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 24, 2020

1. William "Sonny" Lea Marker

Inscription. Born in Caswell County N.C. and raised in Danville, Va., Sonny relocated to Atlantic City after being honorably discharged from the United States Air Force. He worked in various hotels and restaurants before he began working as a barber at the Little New York Barbershop. Later, he cut hair at Grace's Little Belmont Hair Salon before opening his own shop in 1975, all on the same famed Kentucky Avenue. Sonny's Barbershop has been the training ground for a new generation of barbers in Atlantic City, many of whom have started their own shops. More importantly, over the years, Sonny has mentored countless young people and sponsored a plethora of community events. A pillar in the community, he is a tireless advocate for youth education coupled with athletics. Sonny serves as a commissioner for the Atlantic City Municipal Utilities Authority and is an original steering committee member for the Battle by the Bay basketball showcase. He is best known as the Historian of the enduring Kentucky Avenue legacy.

Erected by City of Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic

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lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • Sports. In addition, it is included in the New Jersey, City of Atlantic City series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1975.

Location. 39° 21.757′ N, 74° 25.89′ W. Marker is in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in Atlantic County. It is at the intersection of North Kentucky Avenue and Arctic Avenue, on the right when traveling north on North Kentucky Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 42 N Kentucky Ave, Atlantic City NJ 08401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on New Jersey’s Jersey Shore.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Soundra E. Usry-Hollingsworth (a few steps from this marker); Sara Spencer Washington (about

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 24, 2020

2. William "Sonny" Lea Marker

500 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Herbert Brooks (about 500 feet away); Virgie Lee Jordan (about 600 feet away); Tsgt. Harold R. Brown Memorial Plaza (about 600 feet away); Cora Hillery Boggs (about 600 feet away); Maceo H. Turner (about 700 feet away); James L. Usry (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlantic City.

Also see . . . William ‘Sonny’ Lea, 83, iconic Atlantic City barber who mentored children. Article from the Philadelphia Inquirer from October 17, 2018. (Submitted on July 25, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)

Additional commentary.
1. Passing of Sonny Lea
Sonny Lea passed away on October 15, 2018.

— Submitted July 25, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 488 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 25, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.