James Clifford Gadsden (1926 – 2005) was a community leader and activist, often referred to as “the Mayor of Springfield Gardens.” He was a community spokesman who motivated the residents of Springfield Gardens to unite in order to protect their rights and residential property from being rezoned as commercial property, organizing his neighbors to fight the creation of a warehouse in the community in 1967. He was one of the founders and first chairperson of the Spring-Gar Community Civic Association. He also served on Community Board 13 for over 20 years, was the Democratic District Leader in the 31st Assembly District – Part B, and served on the Community School Board – District 29 in Queens.