Kaleem Shabazz

For decades, Kaleem Shabazz has been a prominent voice in Atlantic City, combining public service, civil rights advocacy, education and community leadership.

A longtime Atlantic City resident and proud graduate of Atlantic City High School, Shabazz went on to graduate from Rutgers University before returning his focus to serving the community that helped shape him. He was elected Third Ward Councilman and has been reelected multiple times, most recently in 2023. He currently serves as Chair of Atlantic City Council’s Planning and Development Committee, helping shape the city’s continued growth.

Shabazz’s influence extends well beyond City Hall. A longtime civil rights advocate, he serves as President of the Atlantic City Branch of the NAACP and as President of Bridge of Faith. He is also involved with the Atlantic County Coalition for a Safe Community and the Coalition for Good Government. In addition, he shares his knowledge and experience as an adjunct professor at Stockton University.

Throughout his career, Shabazz has been recognized for his commitment to community service, receiving numerous honors including the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award, the Father Thom Schivago Humanitarian Award and community service awards from organizations including the Mainland NAACP, Fellowship of Churches and St. Augustine Episcopal Church.

One of the defining moments of Shabazz’s advocacy came during the era of apartheid in South Africa, when he traveled to the United Nations to speak in opposition to a South African-based casino coming to Atlantic City. He has described the effort, which ultimately helped stop the proposed project, as one of his proudest moments.

From the classroom to City Hall and the civil rights movement, Shabazz has spent his career advocating for Atlantic City and its residents. His work reflects a legacy of Black leadership rooted in civic engagement, community empowerment and the belief that residents can make a difference in the future of their city.