ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., August 21, 2024 – Yesterday, Visit Mississippi and New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism (NJTT), along with Visit Atlantic City, proudly unveiled the newest addition to the Mississippi Freedom Trail outside of the historic Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. This marker, part of a series commemorating the 60th anniversary of the 1964 Freedom Summer voting rights movement, honors the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and its groundbreaking efforts toward equality at the 1964 Democratic National Convention which took place at Boardwalk Hall. New Jersey is the first and only state outside of Mississippi to host an official Mississippi Freedom Trail marker.
“Mississippi is proud to unveil the first Freedom Trail marker outside of our state, extending our rich history and the stories of the Civil Rights Movement to Atlantic City,” said Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves. “This marker not only honors the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer but also invites visitors to discover more of Mississippi's civil rights legacy. We extend our gratitude to the state of New Jersey, Atlantic City, Governor Phil Murphy and Lt. Governor Tahesha Way for their partnership in honoring this critical chapter of our shared history.”
“We are honored to feature the first Freedom Trail marker outside of Mississippi,” said Acting Governor Tahesha Way. “Atlantic City is home to several locations that honor the state’s civil rights history, including the Civil Rights Garden and the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey. Today, this new Freedom Trail marker signifies the community’s role in supporting the Freedom Summer activists to ensure equal representation for Black voters, which played a key role in the Civil Rights movement and forever altered the course of U.S. election history.”
The 1964 Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City was a pivotal moment in civil rights history, playing a crucial part in challenging racial segregation and standing as the defining event of Freedom Summer. This historic convention led to significant advancements in the Civil Rights movement. The efforts of Mississippi’s Freedom Summer activists were supported by volunteers and organizations in New Jersey, who helped shape the future of voting rights in America.
Part of the United States Civil Rights Trail, the Mississippi Freedom Trail consists of over 30 sites that offer visitors the opportunities to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement, honor important figures of the era and sightsee across the state.
For more on the Mississippi Freedom Trail, go to visitmississippi.org. For more information about New Jersey, go to visitnj.org.
Editor’s Note: Images are available HERE (Photo Credit: Visit Atlantic City)
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About Visit Mississippi
A division of the Mississippi Development Authority, Visit Mississippi is the official destination marketing organization for the state. Dedicated to showcasing Mississippi's diverse attractions and experiences, Visit Mississippi promotes the state as a premier travel destination for leisure, business, and cultural exploration. Through strategic marketing initiatives and partnerships, Visit Mississippi aims to enhance visitor experiences, drive economic growth, and highlight Mississippi's rich history, vibrant culture, scenic beauty, and renowned hospitality. For more information, visit visitmississippi.org. For more information about the Mississippi Freedom Trail and to explore tourism offerings in Mississippi, visit visitmississippi.org.
About New Jersey
New Jersey offers a wide variety of experiences to visitors all year long. Travelers and residents can enjoy outdoor adventures, renowned culinary offerings, educational opportunities, and a strong arts and cultural scene. With numerous state and national parks, beaches, skiing, tax free shopping, historic sites, museums and more, New Jersey blends together its rich history and exciting present. Home to the nation’s first beach resorts and the birthplace of major inventions, New Jersey offers a picturesque escape and dynamic opportunities for visitors from near and far. For more information, visit visitnj.org.
About Visit Atlantic City
Visit Atlantic City is a 501(c)(6) organization formed and funded as a public-private partnership by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) to create economic development through conventions, sporting events, film production and group tourism. Visit Atlantic City focuses on three primary objectives: sales, marketing and services. For complete Atlantic City tourism and convention information, visit www.visitatlanticcity.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About the Mississippi Freedom Trail
The Mississippi Freedom Trail pays tribute to Mississippi’s profound impact on the U.S. civil rights movement. The statewide initiative features over 30 markers commemorating the individuals, locations, and pivotal events that were instrumental in the struggle for civil rights. Administered by Visit Mississippi in partnership with the Mississippi Humanities Council, the Mississippi Freedom Trail is supported by a State Tourism Grant from the US. Economic Development Administration.
Media Contacts
Mississippi - Lou Hammond Group
mississippi@louhammond.com
843-647-7090
New Jersey – Lou Hammond Group
newjerseygroup@louhammond.com
212.891.0228
