Hard Rock Casino Donates $5,000 to Support African American Museum in Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY – During a time when Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is in the crosshairs, on February 6, 2025, Hard Rock Casino reinforced its commitment to cultural enrichment and education by continuing its partnership with the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey (AAHMSNJ). As part of this collaboration, Hard Rock sponsored the museum's Black History Month Educational Series and presented a $5,000 donation on behalf of the Boardwalk 1000 Foundation.

The event, held at the Pennsylvania School, began at 11:00 a.m. and brought together key figures to celebrate history, heritage, and the power of storytelling.

Ralph E. Hunter, Sr., President and Founder of the AAHMSNJ, arrived early, showcasing his unwavering dedication to the museum’s mission.

Notable attendees included George Goldhoff, President of Hard Rock Casino; Nickolas Nelson, Director of Food and Beverage; and Sharon Pearce, Director of Community Relations and PR at Hard Rock Casino, among others.

The Black History Month Educational Series, designed by Hunter, provides an engaging and interactive experience that explores the depth of African American history. This program brings valuable historical lessons to schools in the community, ensuring that students gain a greater appreciation for African American contributions to society.

The event featured more than 16 exhibitions of notable female African American figures, with students stationed beside each exhibit to give brief speeches about these historical icons. Some of the women honored included Vera King Farris, Jean Washington Thomas Griffin, Faye Goddard, Barbara L. Hudgins, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Margaret Lee Caution, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Sara Spences Washington, Rita Mack, Joanna Lasane, and others. These exhibits provided a powerful educational experience for attendees, showcasing the resilience and achievements of Black women in history.

“We partner with the African American Heritage Museum to assist and support the
community, helping students here understand the value of knowing their heritage, and the African American heritage in the community,” Goldhoff said in an interview.

In an interview with students who attended the event, one student reflected, "What I learned is that with hard work and dedication, you can do great things." Another student shared, "I think today was a lesson to learn about Black women and Black culture." Their words emphasized the impact of the event in inspiring and educating the younger generation.
Hunter expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Goldhoff and Hard Rock Casino for their unwavering support to the African American Heritage Museum in Atlantic City.

With Hard Rock Casino’s sponsorship, the African American Heritage Museum of
Southern New Jersey continues to thrive, ensuring that its stories and legacies remain vibrant for generations to come.

(This story was produced as part of the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University's South Jersey Information Equity Project fellowship and supported with funding from the Independence Public Media Foundation, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and the NJ Civic Information Consortium.)

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