New Jersey § 52:16a-86

§ 52:16a-86.

The Legislature finds and declares that: a. During the period beginning late in the 15th century through the 19th century,

millions of persons of African origin were enslaved and brought to the Western Hemisphere,

including the United States of America; anywhere from between 20 to 50 percent of

enslaved Africans died during their journey to the Western Hemisphere; the enslavement

of Africans and their descendants was part of a concerted effort of physical and psychological

terrorism that deprived groups of people of African descent the opportunity to preserve

many of their social, religious, political and other customs; the vestiges of slavery

in this country continued with the legalization of second class citizenship status

for African-Americans through Jim Crow laws, segregation and other similar practices;

the legacy of slavery has pervaded the fabric of our society; and in spite of these

events there are endless examples of the triumphs of African-Americans and their significant

contributions to the development of this country; b. All people should know of and remember the human carnage and dehumanizing atrocities

committed during the period of the African slave trade and slavery in America and

of the vestiges of slavery in this country; and it is in fact vital to educate our

citizens on these events, the legacy of slavery, the sad history of racism in this

country, and on the principles of human rights and dignity in a civilized society; c. It is the policy of the State of New Jersey that the history of the African slave

trade, slavery in America, the depth of their impact in our society, and the triumphs

of African-Americans and their significant contributions to the development of this

country is the proper concern of all people, particularly students enrolled in the

schools of the State of New Jersey; and d. It is therefore desirable to create a State-level commission, which as an organized

body, on a continuous basis, will survey, design, encourage, and promote the implementation

of education and awareness programs in New Jersey concerned with the African slave

trade, slavery in America, the vestiges of slavery in this country, and the contributions

of African-Americans in building our country; to develop workshops, institutes, seminars,

and other teacher training activities designed to educate teachers on this subject

matter; and which will be responsible for the coordination of events on a regular

basis, throughout the State, that provide appropriate memorialization of the events

concerning the enslavement of Africans and their descendants in America as well as

their struggle for freedom and liberty.