Bill > J01229

This resolution commemorates the unveiling of a bronze sculpture honoring Solomon Northup, a free Black man from New York who was kidnapped and enslaved for 12 years before regaining his freedom, and whose memoir "Twelve Years a Slave" became a powerful first-person account of American slavery. The sculpture, titled "Hope Out of Darkness" and created by artist Wesley Wofford, will be unveiled on July 10th (Northup's 218th birthday) at the Saratoga Spa State Park before eventually being permanently located in Marksville, Louisiana, where Northup was enslaved. The resolution acknowledges Northup's significant historical narrative, which has been highlighted in various media including documentaries and films, and emphasizes the importance of telling a full and inclusive history that honors the experiences and struggles of those whose voices have been historically silenced. By commemorating this sculpture, the legislative body seeks to inspire learning, remembrance, and unity, encouraging citizens to engage with the complex and painful history of slavery while promoting healing and understanding.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/J1229