Bill
Bill > AJR172
summary
Introduced
05/10/2024
05/10/2024
In Committee
05/10/2024
05/10/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This joint resolution designates April 9th of each year as Dr. James Still Day in New Jersey. Dr. James Still overcame prejudice and poverty through hard work and determination to become a successful, self-educated homeopathic healer. Dr. James Still was born into poverty on April 9, 1812, to former slaves Levin and Charity Still. Dr. Still was passionate about the medical field from a young age, however, due to his racial and financial background, he was unable to attend medical school. Despite his inability to attend medical school, Dr. Still continued to acquire medical knowledge through self-education. Dr. Still found success within the medical field when he developed a cough balm from plants and herbs. This innovative balm brought Dr. Still recognition and wealth. With this newly acquired wealth, Dr. Still purchased a home and created a medical office in Medford, New Jersey. Dr. Still's knowledge of plants and medicine allowed him to treat patients throughout the region. Despite his success within the medical field, Dr. Still's medical credentials were challenged by many local doctors. In response to these challenges, Dr. Still began treating his patients free of charge. Dr. Still continued to treat patients with homeopathic healing until his death in 1882. To honor and preserve the legacy of Dr. James Still, his medical office was purchased by the State of New Jersey in 2005. In 2013, the property and nearby grounds became the Dr. James Still Historic Office Site and Education Center which teaches and preserves the legacy of Dr. James Still. Dr. Still's dedication to the medical field and successful life should be remembered and celebrated among the citizens of New Jersey.
AI Summary
This joint resolution designates April 9th of each year as Dr. James Still Day in New Jersey to honor the life of an extraordinary African-American herbalist and self-educated healer who overcame significant racial and economic barriers. Born in 1812 to former slaves, Dr. Still had only three months of formal education and worked as a day laborer before developing a passion for medicine and self-teaching through extensive reading about botany and herbal remedies. Despite facing racial discrimination that prevented him from attending medical school, he created a successful cough balm from plants and herbs, which brought him recognition and financial success. He established a medical office in Medford, New Jersey, and responded to challenges from local doctors by offering free medical services. In recognition of his remarkable achievements, the State of New Jersey purchased his medical office in 2005, and in 2013 established the Dr. James Still Historic Office Site and Education Center. The resolution calls on the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials, organizations, and citizens to observe the day with appropriate events and activities, thereby preserving and celebrating Dr. Still's important legacy of perseverance, medical innovation, and community service.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee (on 05/10/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/AJR172 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/AJR/172_I1.HTM |
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