TRENTON – A bill to establish a Black Heritage Trail passed the Senate and was sent to the governor’s desk, State Senator Michael Testa (R-1) announced June 16. Assemblyman Antwan McClellan (R-1) was the co-sponsor in the lower chamber. The bill previously passed the Assembly in March 2022 in a unanimous vote.
Under the legislation, the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism would be required to establish a Black Heritage Trail and create the New Jersey Black Cultural Heritage Commission.
“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 in a statement. “It is a long-overdue recognition for many who deserve to have their stories known.”
The Black Heritage Trail would celebrate Black history, tradition, and culture through education, public programs, and historical markers, a release from Testa office said.
“The tour will be designed to highlight significant locations and events, bringing attention to those men and women who impacted industry, culture, arts, and everyday life in New Jersey, but whose roles have too often been overlooked,” Testa noted.
“This bill is so important because our history as African-Americans in this country extends so much farther than just our lessons about slavery and our struggles for freedom,” McClellan said. “The trail will connect the stories of Black life and resiliency in our state. From the new Harriet Tubman Museum in Cape May here in the 1st District to the Hinchliffe Negro League Baseball Stadium in Newark, Black history and accomplishments are a rich part of the history of New Jersey.”
Under the bill, the Division of Travel and Tourism would maintain a website containing information about Black heritage sites and providing vacation itineraries based on the Black Heritage Trail which would identify surrounding attractions, restaurants, lodging, and other exhibits or places of entertainment along the trail.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
