Under legislation sponsored by Assemblymen William D. Payne and Craig A. Stanley, schools in the Garden State are moving to recognize the integral part African-Americans have played at every turn in this nation’s history. The Amistad Bill (A1301), which became law in 2002, calls on New Jersey schools to incorporate African-American history into their social studies curriculum. This legislation also created the Amistad Commission, a 23-member body charged with ensuring that African-American history, contributions and experiences are adequately taught in the state’s classrooms.

Purpose:

The Amistad Commission ensures that the Department of Education and public schools of New Jersey implement materials and texts which integrate the history and contributions of African-Americans and the descendants of the African Diaspora.

Goals:

1. To infuse the history of Africans and African-Americans into the social studies curriculum in order to provide an accurate, complete and inclusive history.
2. To ensure that New Jersey teachers are equipped to effectively teach the revised social studies core curriculum content standards.
3. To create and coordinate workshops, seminars, institutes, memorials and events which raise public awareness about the importance of the history of African-Americans to the growth and development of American society in a global context.

In 2002, the Amistad Bill (A1301) became law in New Jersey. The Amistad Bill calls on New Jersey schools to incorporate African-American History into their curriculum. The Amistad Commission ensures the implementation of materials and text that integrate the history and contributions of African-Americans and the descendants of the African Diaspora.

N.J. State Amistad Page

The Amistad Web-based curriculum provides an interactive textbook infusing the vast contributions and experiences of African Americans for all teachers and students. The Amistad Web-Based curriculum can be accessed by using the website link below.

Amistad Curriculum

The Amistad commission has created a list of book titles that reflect African and African-American characters in positive, authentic ways. This book list will assist you to enrich your home and classroom libraries in the primary grades.

Attention all Seniors! Don't miss the opportunity to apply for the NJ Rising Scholars program.  Students chosen for the Rising Scholars Program will receive an award certificate, a comprehensive guide of available HBCU scholarships, the opportunity to meet recruiters and receive on-site admissions with the opportunity to have fees waived. For more information and registration, please review the  flyer or use the link below.

Rising Scholars Award page