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Committee approves resolution designating April 9 as Paul Robeson Day in New Jersey
Summary
SJR-46 passed committee; community members from the Paul Robeson House described Robeson’s local history and cultural legacy and asked the legislature to designate April 9 for annual recognition.
A Senate committee released Senate Joint Resolution 46, which would designate April 9 of each year as Paul Robeson Day in New Jersey.
Senator Turner, sponsor of the resolution, said the recognition is fitting as Black History Month ends and described Robeson as a native of Princeton who "shattered barriers" across athletics, the arts, activism and academia.
Representatives of the Paul Robeson House spoke in support. Shirley Satterfield, secretary of the Robeson House, provided background on Robeson’s family home in Princeton and its connections to local churches and schools. "You have before you a sheet that shows the residents of Paul Robeson and other sites of Paul Robeson," she said, recounting that Robeson was born at a Witherspoon Street home and describing nearby local sites tied to his family.
Ben Colber, president of the Paul Robeson House board, described preservation and rehabilitation efforts and said the organization is part of a wider Robeson Alliance working to recognize Robeson nationally. Speakers asked committee members to visit the Robeson House and to support the resolution.
Senator Turner moved the resolution; Senator Faustina seconded. A roll call recorded affirmative votes from Senator Paulistina, Senator Josefel (recorded as left a vote in the affirmative), Senator Turner, Vice Chairman McKeon (left a vote in the affirmative) and Chairman Beach. The resolution was released from committee.
No amendments were recorded in the committee transcript. The resolution now moves forward in the legislative process.
