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SJR 46

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

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gordon Johnson and 4 co-sponsors

Designates April 9 as Paul Robeson Day in New Jersey; a symbolic observance inviting a governor’s proclamation and public education on his civil-rights legacy.

Substituted by AJR217
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Bill Summary · SJR 46

Summary — SJR 46 (Designates April 9 as "Paul Robeson Day" in New Jersey)

Bill number: SJR 46
Title: Designates April 9 of each year as "Paul Robeson Day" in State of New Jersey
Type: Joint resolution (commemorative)
Introduced: January 29, 2025 (Sen. Smitherman et al.)
Status: Substituted by AJR 217; enrolled and enacted (final action dated April 2025)

Purpose and intent

SJR 46 formally recognizes and honors the life, accomplishments, and civil‑rights activism of Paul Leroy Robeson (born April 9, 1898, Princeton, NJ) by designating April 9 of each year as "Paul Robeson Day" in New Jersey. The resolution seeks to preserve and publicize Robeson’s legacy as an artist, athlete, scholar, and outspoken defender of civil liberties.

Key provisions

  • Designates April 9 of each year as "Paul Robeson Day" in New Jersey to honor his life, achievements, and activism.
  • Requests that the Governor annually issue a proclamation calling on public officials, private organizations, and citizens to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.
  • States that the joint resolution takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Background points cited in the resolution

  • Robeson was a Rutgers University valedictorian and All‑American football player, later attended Columbia Law School, and became a celebrated actor and concert singer.
  • He advocated for civil rights, workers’ rights, and anti‑colonial causes; his political activism led to government blacklisting and revocation of his passport.
  • The resolution notes that some of his accomplishments were obscured by political repression, and that his legacy remains an inspiration.

Who is affected / impact

  • The resolution is symbolic and commemorative: it creates no new legal rights, obligations, funding, or public holiday.
  • Intended audiences/participants: the Governor (for annual proclamation), state and local officials, schools, cultural and historical organizations, and citizens who may hold observances, educational programs, or exhibits.
  • Expected effect: increased public recognition and educational opportunities about Robeson’s life and civil‑rights contributions.

Legislative/timing notes

  • Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee; reported favorably (Feb 25, 2025).
  • Passed the Senate (reported 32–0 on Mar 24, 2025); substituted by AJR 217; enrolled and delivered to Governor in early April 2025 and recorded as enacted in April 2025.
  • Companion measures: HJR 99 and AJR 217 (AJR 217 was the vehicle ultimately substituted/enacted).

Practical considerations

  • Observance is discretionary and advisory; the resolution does not create a state holiday, mandate programming, or allocate state funds. Its primary effect is symbolic recognition and encouragement of commemorative events.

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

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