S5041

An Act designating 2026 as the “Year of Black History” in New Jersey and commemorating 250 years of American independence and making an appropriation.

Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The Legislature finds and declares that:

a. 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.

b. 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.

c. Black History Month serves as a time to recognize and honor the contributions, achievements, and rich cultural heritage of Black Americans throughout history.

d. 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

e. 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.

f. 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.

g. It is essential to educate future generations about the contributions of African Americans and to promote understanding and respect for diversity.

h. 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.

2. The year 2026 is designated as “The Year of Black History” in New Jersey to celebrate 100 years of honoring Black history and the 250th anniversary of American independence.

3. The New Jersey Department of State shall coordinate and promote events throughout the year, including 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.

4. The New Jersey Department of Education shall 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.

5. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority and the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Development Commission shall 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.

6. There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of State, the Department of Education, and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority such funds as shall be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this act.

7. This act shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This bill designates 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 New Jersey Department of State will coordinate and promote events throughout the year that highlight the history and contributions of African Americans in New Jersey. The New Jersey Department of Education will 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. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority and the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Development Commission will 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. This initiative aims to support local filmmakers and create economic opportunities within the community. The bill appropriates funding to support the activities required by the bill.