Bill Text: NJ AJR98 | 2014-2015 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates first week in February each year as "Chicano History Week in New Jersey."
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2015-02-12 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee [AJR98 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2014-AJR98-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman CARMELO G. GARCIA
District 33 (Hudson)
Assemblyman RAJ MUKHERJI
District 33 (Hudson)
Assemblywoman ANNETTE QUIJANO
District 20 (Union)
Assemblywoman GABRIELA M. MOSQUERA
District 4 (Camden and Gloucester)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblyman Johnson
SYNOPSIS
Designates first week in February each year as "Chicano History Week in New Jersey."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating the first week in February of each year as "Chicano History Week in New Jersey."
Whereas, February 2nd of each year is the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, which formally ended the war between the United States and Mexico; and
Whereas, With the signing of the treaty, territory from west of Louisiana to Southern Oregon became part of the United States and the Mexican people living there became Mexican-Americans, or Chicanos, a term many United States citizens of Mexican descent prefer; and
Whereas, The term "Chicano," which is believed to derive from the Aztec word "Mexican," is a term frequently used by people in this country of Mexican descent to refer to themselves, and as such carries with it a spirit of self-identification, self-definition, and self-determination; and
Whereas, Despite being promised the rights of full citizenship by the treaty, early Chicanos found themselves subjected to discrimination, the loss of their homes and property, and the suppression of their language and culture; and
Whereas, More recently, the contributions of Chicanos to this nation have been recognized and appreciated; and
Whereas, Chicanos have defended and died for the United States in this nation's wars and are the most decorated soldiers during those conflicts in proportion to other ethnic groups; and
Whereas, Chicanos have also contributed to the economy, development, and growth of the nation and New Jersey, contributing to the arts, business, industry, education, and agriculture and to the richness of American culture and language; and
Whereas, According to the 2010 federal decennial census, there are approximately 220,000 Chicanos in New Jersey, which is an increase of 115,000 over the 2000 census figure; and
Whereas, It is notable that in the city of Passaic, nearly one out of every three people living in the city identify themselves as Chicanos, and in New Brunswick, Lakewood, and Paterson there have also been significant increases in the Chicano population; and
Whereas, It is fitting and proper to recognize and applaud the significant contributions of Chicanos to the vibrancy of this nation and this State by designating the first week in February of each year as "Chicano History Week in New Jersey;" now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The first week in February of each year is designated as "Chicano History Week in New Jersey."
2. The Governor shall issue a proclamation recognizing the first week in February of each year as "Chicano History Week in New Jersey" and calling upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe the week with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This Joint Resolution designates the first week in February of each year as "Chicano History Week in New Jersey."
