Bill

Bill > SJR132


NJ SJR132

NJ SJR132
Designates May of each year as Haitian Heritage Month.


summary

Introduced
09/26/2024
In Committee
09/26/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This joint resolution designates May of each year as Haitian Heritage Month. Haitian Heritage Month, recognized globally during the month of May, celebrates the rich culture of Haiti and its people, including their history, language, distinctive art, and cuisine. The purpose of Haitian Heritage Month is to raise awareness and understanding about Haitian culture, history, and traditions by educating the public about the historical global contributions Haitian people have made and to celebrate these Haitian achievements worldwide. Haiti's history is of vital significance and pride for its people and has crucial global importance, representing a new concept of human rights, universal citizenship, and participation in government through the Haitian Revolution, which occurred from 1791 to 1804. The Haitian Revolution is one of the largest and the first successful slave rebellions in the Western Hemisphere. Haitian Heritage Month is an expansion of Haitian Flag Day, a national Haitian Holiday celebrated annually on May 18th, serving as a major patriotic celebration in Haiti and the Diaspora to encourage patriotism. Haitian Flag Day serves as a reminder of the struggle to freedom and the Haitian Flag symbolizes the unity that borne the Haitian nation through the alliance of the Blacks and mulattoes during the Revolutionary war. Haitian American immigrants have come to the United States bringing their own influences and cultural traditions to a variety of spheres including the arts, business, sports, literature, science, and law. Today, New Jersey has the fourth largest Haitian-American population in the United States, with nearly 69,000 Haitian-American residents. For decades, Haiti has faced significant challenges, including natural disasters that have devastated the land and disrupted the lives of millions. However, the Haitian people have demonstrated resilience throughout history. It is time to officially recognize the Haitian people and all of their achievements.

AI Summary

This joint resolution designates May of each year as Haitian Heritage Month, a celebration that honors the rich cultural heritage of Haiti and its people. The resolution recognizes the significant historical contributions of Haitians, including their groundbreaking Haitian Revolution from 1791 to 1804, which was the first successful slave rebellion in the Western Hemisphere and established the first independent Black republic in the world. The resolution highlights key historical figures like Dutty Boukman, Toussaint L'Ouverture, and Jean Jacques Dessalines, who played pivotal roles in Haiti's struggle for freedom. It emphasizes the importance of Haitian Flag Day (May 18th) and aims to raise awareness about Haitian culture, traditions, and achievements in various fields such as arts, business, science, and healthcare. The resolution also acknowledges the resilience of the Haitian people despite facing numerous challenges, and recognizes the significant Haitian-American population in New Jersey, which numbers nearly 69,000 residents. By designating Haitian Heritage Month, the resolution seeks to encourage public officials, citizens, and community groups to participate in programs and activities that celebrate and educate others about Haitian history and culture.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee (on 09/26/2024)

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