The West Side of Asbury Park, New Jersey, was once a bustling center of African American life and culture from the 1930s to the 1970s. This community, which included Black and African American, Italian, Jewish, and Latino residents and business owners, was home to well-known establishments like Madonna’s Bar, Grossman’s Sea Food, and the Orchid Lounge along Springwood Avenue.
VTC-POET has collaborated with partners to create an ArcGIS StoryMap Collection that highlights the history, stories, and ongoing contributions of this neighborhood. The project aims to showcase the legacy of the West Side community and celebrate those who continue to maintain its vibrancy.
This initiative is currently a finalist in the 2024 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition under the category "Storytelling for a Better World." Voting for this competition will close on March 12, 2025.
