About
Founded in 1997
Preserving Jazz History and African American Culture in Atlantic City
Our History
The Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation, Inc. (“CBB”), is a non-profit organization formed and titled in homage to the historical segregation of African-Americans on Atlantic City’s world-famous beaches. Use of the beach was limited to the area surrounding Missouri Avenue. In a colloquial nod to the most popular leftover from many beach picnic baskets on the avenue, the term “Chicken Bone Beach” became synonymous with this famous stretch of beach in Atlantic City.
For over a dozen years, and driven by the groundbreaking efforts of its founder, Henrietta Shelton, CBB has promoted remembrance while celebrating the embracement of all races! CBB’s symbolic vehicle, Jazz, a uniquely American music form, was chosen as a beacon of America’s “melting pot”, drawing upon the founding roots of many groundbreaking African-American artists, and ever evolving through the continuing contributions of musicians of all races. CBB believes Jazz represents more than just musical entertainment; it is a progressive, gathering force of inclusion. Turning the memory of an unfortunate chapter of American history into a positive force of good through Jazz is what the Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation stands for! Youth are at the heart of everything CBB does all yearlong!
Through a combination of fundraising activities including concerts at various venues throughout Atlantic City, grants, as well as private and public benefactors, Chicken Bone Beach conducts annual, tuition-free Youth Summer Jazz Camps for Atlantic City kids. These classes enable young people to continue their music training in Jazz under the guidance of master teachers. Their experiences culminate with collective performances of impressive precision. Throughout the years, CBB has been extremely proud to witness many students develop into contemporary Jazz impresarios of today!
As July and August roll around each year, CBB rolls out its free, weekly Jazz concerts on the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk. Held at Kennedy Plaza Stage, at the footsteps of Boardwalk Hall, and drawing upon some of the biggest names in American Jazz, CBB’s concert series has become an iconic part of the Atlantic City cultural landscape, desperately awaited each year by thousands!
CBB always welcomes the generosity of your time, or your financial support, to continue the good works of the organization. CBB is an IRS recognized section 501(c)(3) corporation, making all contributions tax-deductible.
Thank you for your interest and support!
What Drives Us
Our Mission
The CBBHFI Board
Henrietta Shelton (President and Treasurer), Cortez Martin (Vice President), Michael Johnson, Derek Longcrier, Lisa Honiker, Laurie Greene, Beverly Vaughn, Aaron Moss, Keturah Jackson, Rafael Arango, Jack Plackter, Esq.
The Advisory Board
Dr. Ronald J. Stephens & Councilman Kaleem Shabazz
Music Director/Summer Concerts
Issac Nicholson
