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

James L. Usry

— 1922-2002 —

Photographed by Richard E. Miller, October 10, 2010

1. James L. Usry Marker

Inscription. Born in Athens, Georgia, this educator, mayor, professional athlete and longtime Atlantic City resident was affectionately known as “Big Jim.” He was a 6' 6" giant of a man who never raised his voice. Jim was a classroom teacher and school principal, rising to the position of Assistant Superintendent of the Atlantic City public schools, and a visionary of the Martin Luther King, Jr. School Complex. Usry graduated from Lincoln University in 1946 with a B.A. and received a Masters Degree in 1971 from Glassboro State College (Rowan University). A U.S. Army Military Policeman, he was one of the first African-American professional basketball players to don the uniform of the Harlem Renaissance. Later, he became Atlantic City’s first African-American mayor and the President of the National Association of Black Mayors. Above all, he was a positive role model for three generations of Atlantic City children who knew him as “Pop Pop” Usry.

[Seal of the] City of Atlantic City, Incorporated March 1854.

Erected 2009 by City of Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Government & Politics

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• Sports. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the New Jersey, City of Atlantic City series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is March 26, 1854.

Location. 39° 21.639′ N, 74° 25.931′ W. Marker is in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in Atlantic County. It is at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and No. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, on the right when traveling west on Atlantic Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1700 Atlantic Avenue, 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

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

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: Mayor Lorenzo T. Langford (within shouting distance of this marker); Sara Spencer Washington (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Herbert Brooks (about 600 feet away); Pierre Hollingsworth (about 700 feet away); Clifford J. Newsome (about 700 feet away); William "Sonny" Lea (about 700 feet away); Soundra E. Usry-Hollingsworth (about 800 feet away); George William Nelson Sr. (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlantic City.

Also see . . . James L. Usry. (Submitted on October 19, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)

Additional keywords.

Photographed by Richard E. Miller, October 10, 2010

2. James L. Usry Marker

New York "Rens" basketball; WWII Veteran; 92nd Infantry Division; Republican Party.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 24, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,515 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 19, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.