Asbury Park developed as a major Jersey Shore resort, but its recreation and commercial districts reflected the racial segregation of American life. Black residents and visitors developed their own cultural and commercial center around Springwood Avenue. The Casino at the southern end of the boardwalk survived the city's long decline as a partially ruined landmark.

I had known Asbury Park as a Jersey Shore destination long before I understood the racial geography behind it. Photographing the Casino eventually led me beyond the boardwalk architecture to the very different experiences Black and white visitors had in the same resort city.