WHAT: New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism (NJTT), Visit Mississippi and Visit Atlantic City will be unveiling the newest addition to the Mississippi Freedom Trail at the historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. This new marker honors the 60^th anniversary of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP) traveling to the 1964 Democratic National Convention at Boardwalk Hall to advocate for an integrated delegation. New Jersey is the first and only state outside of Mississippi to host an official Mississippi Freedom Trail marker.

The 1964 Democratic 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.

The historic event on August 20^th will bring together government leaders from both states including New Jersey’s Lt. Governor, Tahesha Way, Mississippi’s Governor, Tate Reeves, members of the 1964 Mississippi Freedom Party, Euvestor Simpson and Dave Dennis, Sr., and will culminate with the trail marker unveiling by John Spann, Mississippi Humanities Council Officer.