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

Clifford J. Newsome

1900-1981

Photographed by Don Morfe, January 19, 2016

1. Clifford J. Newsome Marker

Inscription. In 1929, C.J. Newsome was a founder of the Atlantic City Board of Trade (ACBT), which became the Black Chamber of Commerce, promoting Atlantic City as a place for African American conventions. An outstanding leader of St. James A.M.E. Church, he belonged to many civic and fraternal organizations. He served as a District Deputy Grand Ruler of the Elks for 19 years. In 1941, over 100,000 people lined up on the city’s Northside to see an Elks Parade, a product of Newsome’s efforts. An Atlantic City Electrical Bureau Inspector, Master Mason and Shriner, he successfully brought African American businesses and conventions to the resort where dollars were spent on the Northside, far from the Boardwalk hotels, from which African Americans were barred. C.J. Newsome operated Newsome’s Guest House, one of many Northside rooming houses that welcomed African American guests. The ACBT lost most of its influence with the advent of the civil rights movement, when the walls of segregation crumbled.

Erected by City of Atlantic City, New Jersey.

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

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Americans • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, and the New Jersey, City of Atlantic City series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1929.

Location. 39° 21.698′ N, 74° 26.056′ W. Marker is in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in Atlantic County. It is at the intersection of Artic Avenue and Indiana Avenue on Artic Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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: George William Nelson Sr. (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Herbert Brooks (about

Photographed by Don Morfe, January 19, 2016

2. Clifford J. Newsome Marker

300 feet away); Sara Spencer Washington (about 400 feet away); Margaret Lee Caution (about 500 feet away); Elwood G. Davis (about 600 feet away); Tsgt. Harold R. Brown Memorial Plaza (about 700 feet away); James L. Usry (about 700 feet away); Charles A. Mills (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlantic City.

Photographed by Adam Margolis

3. Clifford J. Newsome Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 1, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 703 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 1, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 3. submitted on January 16, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.