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SJR 132

Designates May of each year as Haitian Heritage Month.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Renee Burgess and 2 co-sponsors

Designates May as Haitian Heritage Month in New Jersey and urges an annual gubernatorial proclamation to celebrate Haiti’s culture, history, and contributions.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee
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Bill Summary · SJR 132

Summary of SJR 132 (Haitian Heritage Month)

A joint resolution introduced in the New Jersey Senate designates May of each year as Haitian Heritage Month and requests a yearly gubernatorial proclamation to observe the occasion.

Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes May as Haitian Heritage Month in New Jersey to recognize and celebrate the culture, history, language, arts, and cuisine of Haiti.
  • Aims to raise awareness and understanding of Haitian culture and global contributions, highlighting the Haitian Revolution and its significance to human rights, universal citizenship, and governance.
  • Positions Haitian Heritage Month as an expansion of Haitian Flag Day (May 18), a major patriotic celebration in Haiti and the diaspora.

Key Provisions

1) Designation
- May of each year is designated as Haitian Heritage Month.

2) Proclamation
- The Governor is respectfully requested to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials, citizens, and interested groups to observe Haitian Heritage Month with appropriate programs and activities.

3) Effective Date
- The joint resolution takes effect immediately.

4) Legislative Findings (Statement)
- The resolution emphasizes Haiti’s historical significance, including figures and events from the Haitian Revolution (e.g., Dutty Boukman, Toussaint L’Ouverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, and the Battle of Vertières).
- Highlights the Haitian flag’s symbolism and its connection to national unity.
- Notes the contributions of Haitians in the United States and New Jersey specifically (New Jersey has the fourth-largest Haitian-American population, about 69,000 residents).
- Acknowledges Haiti’s resilience amid natural disasters and its impact on global history and culture.
- Cites ties to broader American history and culture (e.g., early Haitian-American figures and the Louisiana Purchase context).

Affected Parties

  • Public officials and residents of New Jersey.
  • Haitian-American communities and cultural organizations.
  • Educational, cultural, and community groups seeking observance activities.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Status: Introduced in the New Jersey Senate, referred to the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee.
  • Introduced: September 26, 2024.
  • Related Legislation: Companion measure AJR 197.

Additional Context

  • This is a ceremonial, symbolic designation anticipating annual proclamations rather than creating new fiscal or regulatory requirements.
  • Intended to promote awareness of Haitian history and culture within New Jersey and among its diverse population.

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

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