NJ Governor Visits Newark, Signs Bill To Create ‘Black Heritage Trail’

NEWARK, NJ — New Jersey has long been at the center of African American history in the United States, including Newark, its largest city. And Wednesday, this storied past provided a fitting backdrop for officials to announce that the state will be creating a “Black Heritage Trail” to highlight its landmarks, heritage sites, museums and other modern-day attractions.

Surrounded by other elected officials, Gov. Phil Murphy visited the Newark Public Library to sign a bipartisan bill, A2677. The new law requires the New Jersey Historical Commission to establish a Black Heritage Trail to promote awareness and appreciation of Black history, heritage and culture in the state.

The governor’s office released a statement about the trail and the bill signed on Wednesday:

“In January 2021, the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism within the Department of State launched the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail, which invites visitors and residents to 'discover the remarkable achievements and legacies of New Jersey’s African American scholars, famous figures and everyday citizens who shaped the state’s history for nearly four centuries.' The New Jersey Black Heritage Trail will highlight landmarks, heritage sites, museums and modern-day attractions, which will be featured on downloadable three-day trip itineraries and map views. Under the bill, which appropriates $ 1million to the Department of State to establish the historical markers, the Historical Commission must give special consideration to sites that are in close geographic proximity, thematically linked by surrounding arts and other tourism destinations, or recommended by the New Jersey Black Cultural and Heritage Initiative Foundation.”

“Celebrating and commemorating Black history is not something that we should relegate to only the month of February or to Juneteenth,” Murphy said.

“Black history is New Jersey history,” the governor continued. “It must be honored every day of the year.”

Murphy was one of several Democrats with praise for the bill. But the new law also saw support from Sen. Michael Testa, a Republican who represents the state’s 1st Legislative district.

“This trail will salute the accomplishments of so many African people and their descendants who have contributed significantly to the fabric of New Jersey history for almost four centuries,” Testa said. “It is a long-overdue recognition for many who deserve to have their stories known.”

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said New Jersey in general – and Newark in particular – have “long been at the center of African-American history in the United States.”

“African-Americans have made many contributions to our state and nation, from the battlefields of Trenton in 1776, to the ongoing fight for freedom, and the rebirth of modern Newark,” Baraka said.

“It is truly appropriate that we create a historic trail with itineraries, landmarks, and historic information, so that visitors and residents alike can learn our unique heritage and the contributions African-Americans have made in New Jersey,” Baraka added.

“If we omit this history, it is as if we are looking at ourselves with just one eye,” agreed Derek Davis, a board member at the Camden County Historical Society and the NJ Black Heritage Foundation.

“We as a people and nation have too long been selective in how we understand and talk about history,” Davis said. “This reservoir of information and its public acknowledgement will teach us who we once were and can contextualize who we are, pointing us towards a better shared future.”

Other support for Wednesday’s announcement came from:

U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. – “The Black Heritage Trail will highlight major historical contributions of Black Americans and the events that helped shape our state. There are many stories in New Jersey’s Black culture that need to be told. New Jersey played a significant role in the Underground Railroad that helped enslaved Blacks in the southern U.S. escape to freedom in the north. In addition, many Blacks became permanent residents of the state during the Great Migration of southern Blacks into northern cities after World War I. I applaud Governor Murphy for signing the bill to create this trail and focusing more attention on the significant contributions of Blacks to New Jersey’s history.”

Secretary of State Tahesha Way – “With the establishment of the Black Heritage Trail, New Jerseyans and visitors from around the world will learn more about the significant contributions, history, and culture of Black people throughout New Jersey over the last four hundred years. Through partnership with the New Jersey Black Cultural and Heritage Initiative Foundation, this is an exciting opportunity for the New Jersey Historical Commission to help people identify and understand the places where Black people made history in New Jersey.”

Senator Troy Singleton – “For nearly 400 years, Black Americans have been part of New Jersey’s history. Black heritage and history has, for far too long, gone underrepresented and untold despite our contributions to industry, culture and arts. The purpose of this new law establishing the Black Heritage Trail is to promote and honor these achievements through education, public programs, and historical markers.”

Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter – “Black history plays an integral role in the story of our country and our state. By creating the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail to highlight and celebrate so many important historic sites, we can raise awareness and educate our fellow New Jerseyans about the historical contributions of Black people in our state.”

Assemblyman Antwan McClellan – “I am honored to help shine a light on New Jersey’s rich African history and encourage tourism to hidden Black heritage spots throughout the state. From Ocean City’s former segregated Westside to Cape May’s new Harriet Tubman Museum, there are so many sites and stories that testify to our state’s important Black history. This trail will highlight Black abolitionists, veterans, artists, entertainers, and other leaders who have made their indelible marks on New Jersey’s history and deserve to be recognized and celebrated. It ensures that New Jersey’s Black history and culture will be properly documented and appreciated for future generations.”

Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson – “Despite the rich influence the African-American community has had on New Jersey, black history has gone unrecognized for far too long. With the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail, we can ensure important landmarks throughout the state receive the recognition they deserve while highlighting the moments and people who helped shape our nation."

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