ASSEMBLY TOURISM, GAMING AND THE ARTS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION No. 93

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 19, 2026

      The Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee reports favorably Assembly Joint Resolution No. 93.

This joint resolution celebrates and commemorates Timbuctoo’s 200th anniversary.  September 2026 marks the 200th anniversary of Timbuctoo, which represents the historic achievements of African-American resiliency.  Timbuctoo was first established by formerly enslaved and free African-Americans.  The first four men to settle Timbuctoo in 1826, David Parker, Wardell Parker, Ezekiel Parker, and Hezekiah Hall, had previously escaped enslavement in Maryland.

     Timbuctoo exemplifies African-American resiliency as Timbuctoo was a stop on the Underground Railroad and was a strategic location, as Timbuctoo was easily accessible from the Delaware River.  Furthermore, residents of Timbuctoo aided a fellow resident, Perry Simmons, against an infamous slave capturer, George Alberti, and his raiding party in 1860, in which would later become known as the Battle of Pine Swamp.  Victory over Alberti demonstrates how the residents of Timbuctoo were determined to protect their own and the freedom for all African-Americans that their community represented.  Therefore, New Jersey is proud to recognize Timbuctoo’s achievements and history.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.