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AJR 93

Celebrates and commemorates Timbuctoo's 200th anniversary.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Andrea Katz

NJ officially celebrates Timbuctoo’s 200th anniversary and its history of African-American resilience and Underground Railroad activity.

Transferred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee
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Bill Summary · AJR 93

AJR 93 (Session 222) — New Jersey

Title

Celebrates and commemorates Timbuctoo's 200th anniversary

Purpose and Intent

  • To officially celebrate and commemorate Timbuctoo, an unincorporated community in Westampton Township, Burlington County, on the 200th anniversary of its establishment (September 2026).
  • To recognize Timbuctoo’s historical significance as a site connected to African-American resilience, the Underground Railroad, and community efforts to protect freedom for African-Americans.
  • To highlight Timbuctoo’s historical ties to abolitionist figures and its role in broader Black history within New Jersey.

Key Provisions

  1. State Recognition
    • The State of New Jersey officially celebrates and commemorates Timbuctoo’s 200th anniversary.
  2. Communications and Transmission
    • Copies of the resolution, once filed with the Secretary of State, are to be transmitted to:
      • New Jersey Black Heritage Trail Advisory Committee
      • Timbuctoo Advisory Committee
      • Timbuctoo Historical Society
  3. Effective Date
    • The joint resolution takes effect immediately.

Background and Context Included in the Bill

  • Timbuctoo was established in 1826 by formerly enslaved and free African-Americans; the first settlers included David Parker, Wardell Parker, Ezekiel Parker, and Hezekiah Hall (all previously escaped enslavement from Maryland).
  • The community’s early mentions appear on deeds by 1830, with residents appearing on the census thereafter.
  • Timbuctoo is associated with the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (established land in 1854 for an African Church) and connections to abolitionist figures (Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass) and Underground Railroad activity.
  • Notable historical event: In 1860, a confrontation involving slave catcher George Alberti and resident Perry Simmons, known as the Battle of Pine Swamp, demonstrated the community’s defense of freedom.
  • In March 2024, Timbuctoo was selected as one of the first 32 sites in New Jersey to be part of the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail.

Who/What is Affected

  • Legislature and state agencies are prompted to publicly recognize and honor Timbuctoo’s 200th anniversary.
  • Local organizations (Timbuctoo Advisory Committee and Timbuctoo Historical Society) and the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail Advisory Committee are to receive copies of the resolution, ensuring dissemination to relevant heritage and community groups.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: January 13, 2026 (Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee)
  • Assembly: Passed 70-1-0 on February 19, 2026
  • Senate: Received May 4, 2026; referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee
  • Effective Date: Immediate upon enactment

Summary

AJR 93 is a joint resolution that formally celebrates Timbuctoo’s 200th anniversary in September 2026, recognizes its historical significance as a site of African-American resilience and Underground Railroad activity, and acknowledges notable historical events and affiliations. It directs the transmission of copies to relevant heritage and local organizations and becomes effective immediately upon filing.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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