Gov. Signs Amistad Legislation

On Wednesday, Governor James E. McGreevey signed legislation aimed at incorporating African-American history into the traditional curriculum of New Jersey’s schools.

The “Amistad Bill” (A1301) was sponsored by Assemblymen William D. Payne and Craig A. Stanley. The legislation seeks to foster and create a greater level of academic knowledge within our school children. The bill creates an “Amistad Commission” in honor of the enslaved Africans who gained their freedom after overthrowing the crew of the Amistad cargo ship en route from Havana in 1839. The commission will promote wider implementation of educational awareness programs regarding the African slave trade, slavery in America and the many contributions African Americans have made over the course of United States history.

The Amistad Commission will consist of 19 members, including the Secretary of State, the Commissioner of Education, the Chair of the Executive Board of the President’s Council and 16 public members. The commission will also designate appropriate textbooks that accurately chronicle the African-American experience in the United States.

Following the bill signing, Governor McGreevey was joined by Secretary of State Regena Thomas in announcing the “Harriet Tubman-William Still New Jersey Underground Railroad Journey.”

Beginning on September 29, 2002, Governor McGreevey will join with Secretary of State Thomas and the people of New Jersey in celebrating the State’s Underground Railroad heritage. Named in honor of two of the Underground Railroad’s most celebrated figures, the “Harriet Tubman-William Still New Jersey Underground Railroad Journey” will follow in the footsteps of freedom over a period of two weeks, by retracing 180 miles of the legendary network from Cumberland County to Hudson County. The walk will also include visits to some of New Jersey’s Underground Railroad sites and communities along the way.

“This celebration will be a tribute to those brave souls who sacrificed, aided and followed this trail to freedom,” said McGreevey.

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Author: Paul Aronsohn