Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman TENNILLE R. MCCOY
District 14 (Mercer and Middlesex)
Assemblywoman LINDA S. CARTER
District 22 (Somerset and Union)
Assemblywoman SHANIQUE SPEIGHT
District 29 (Essex and Hudson)
SYNOPSIS
Urges Governor to designate 2026 as “Year of Black History” in New Jersey and commemorate 250 years of American independence.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Assembly Resolution urging the Governor to designate 2026 as the “Year of Black History” in New Jersey and commemorate 250 years of American independence.
Whereas, February has been designated as a time to celebrate Black history since 1926, when “Negro History Week” was originally established in February by historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson; and
Whereas, As the celebration of the accomplishments of Black Americans grew nationwide with the support of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, President Gerald Ford recognized February as Black History Month in 1976; and
Whereas, Black History Month serves as a time to recognize and honor the contributions, achievements, and rich cultural heritage of Black Americans throughout history; and
Whereas, The year 2026 marks not only 100 years of honoring Black Americans, but also the 250th anniversary of our nation's independence, providing an opportunity to reflect on the intertwined histories of freedom and the African American experience; and
Whereas, New Jersey has a profound and significant history in the struggle for civil rights, serving as a pivotal location for key events in the African American experience; and
Whereas, The legacy of African Americans in New Jersey includes notable figures such as Paul Robeson, Alice Walker, and numerous others who have made indelible marks on the arts, sciences, politics, and social justice; and
Whereas, It is essential to educate future generations about the contributions of African Americans and to promote understanding and respect for diversity; and
Whereas, The 100th anniversary of honoring Black history presents an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain in the pursuit of equality and justice for all; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House urges the Governor to designate 2026 as “The Year of Black History” in New Jersey to celebrate 100 years of honoring Black history and the 250th anniversary of American independence.
2. This House urges the Governor to direct the Department of State to coordinate and promote events throughout the year, including, but not limited to, educational programs, cultural exhibitions, a public awareness campaign encouraging commemorative activities during Black History Month, and community discussions that highlight the history and contributions of African Americans in New Jersey.
3. This House urges the Governor to direct the Department of Education to develop and distribute educational materials to promote the teaching of African American history and contributions in schools across the State, focusing on the significance of commemorating 100 years of honoring Black history and 250 years as a nation.
4. This House urges the Governor to encourage the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Development Commission to collaborate with nonprofits, as necessary, to develop initiatives that promote the creation of films, documentaries, and other media that focus on African American history and culture and support local filmmakers and create economic opportunities.
5. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the Governor of this State.
STATEMENT
This resolution urges the Governor to designate 2026 as “The Year of Black History” in New Jersey to celebrate 100 years of honoring Black history. The year 2026 is also the nation’s 250th anniversary of American independence, which provides an opportunity to reflect on the intertwined histories of freedom and the African American experience.
The nation began honoring the contributions, achievements, and heritage of Black Americans during the month of February when historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson established “Negro History Week” in 1926. To commemorate this milestone, the Governor is urged to direct the New Jersey Department of State to coordinate and promote events throughout the year that highlight the history and contributions of African Americans in New Jersey. The Governor is further urged to direct the New Jersey Department of Education to develop and distribute educational materials to promote the teaching of African American history and contributions in schools across the State, focusing on the significance of commemorating 100 years of honoring Black history and 250 years as a nation. This resolution also urges the Governor to encourage the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Development Commission to collaborate with nonprofits, as appropriate, to develop initiatives that promote the creation of films, documentaries, and other media that focus on African American history and culture.