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Bill

AJR 217

Designates April 9 of each year as "Paul Robeson Day" in State of New Jersey.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Carter and 12 co-sponsors

Designates April 9 as Paul Robeson Day in New Jersey, prompting annual proclamations and public observances to educate about his civil rights legacy, with no fiscal obligations.

Approved P.L.2025, JR-5.
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Bill Summary · AJR 217

AJR 217 – Paul Robeson Day Designation (New Jersey)

Overview

AJR 217 is a joint resolution that designates April 9 of each year as “Paul Robeson Day” in the State of New Jersey. The measure commemorates the life, achievements, and civil liberties activism of Paul Leroy Robeson, a Princeton-born dignitary of the 20th century who excelled as a student, athlete, actor, singer, and public advocate for justice and peace.

Purpose and Intent

  • To honor Paul Robeson’s legacy and his contributions to civil rights, workers’ rights, and global advocacy for justice.
  • To acknowledge the challenges Robeson faced due to discrimination and political persecution, and to recognize his impact as a model of public service and cultural achievement.

Key Provisions

  • Designation: April 9 each year is designated as “Paul Robeson Day” in New Jersey.
  • Governor’s Proclamation: The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation urging public officials, private organizations, and state residents to observe Paul Robeson Day with appropriate activities and programs.
  • Effective Date: The joint resolution takes effect immediately upon enactment.
  • Legislative companion: SJR 46 serves as the Senate companion to this joint resolution.

Who Would Be Affected

  • State and local government officials, public institutions, schools, and private organizations in New Jersey.
  • Citizens of New Jersey are encouraged to participate in observances and activities highlighting Robeson’s life and advocacy.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Committee Action: Assembly Committee on March 20, 2025, favorably reported.
  • Legislative Action:
    • Assembly passed on March 24, 2025 (46-21-0).
    • Senate passed on March 24, 2025 (30-0).
    • Presented for signature and was approved as P.L. 2025, JR-5 on March 31, 2025.
  • Relationship to Other Measures: Companion Senate resolution is SJR 46; AJR 217 was substituted for SJR46 in the Senate process.

Background Context Included in the Bill

  • Paul Robeson (born April 9, 1898, in Princeton) was a multi-talented figure—scholar, athlete, actor, singer, and civil liberties advocate.
  • He attended Rutgers on a four-year scholarship, became valedictorian and All-American, and later attended Columbia Law School.
  • His career was affected by racism and political backlash, including blacklisting and passport revocation, yet his legacy as a defender of civil rights and human rights remains influential.

Impact and Implications

  • Encourages public commemoration and educational programming focused on Robeson’s legacy.
  • Establishes a recurring annual observance without creating direct fiscal obligations beyond customary proclamations and programming.
  • Aligns New Jersey with broader educational and cultural recognition of civil liberties history.

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

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