TRENTON – Today, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, Senator Wayne R. Bryant was awarded a plaque in recognition of his tireless leadership and endless dedication to the issues of civil rights.
The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights today held a ceremony commemorating 60 years of working to combat discrimination in the State. The ceremony was held in Committee Room 6 of the State House Annex.
On April 16, 1945, Governor Walter E. Edge signed a bill sponsored by Dr. James O. Hill, enacting the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) and creating the Division Against Discrimination (now known as the Division on Civil Rights). Dr. Hill, a State Assemblyman from Newark, drafted the bill to prevent discrimination based on race, creed, color, and national origin or ancestry, making the LAD the nation’s very first Civil Rights statue.
“One of my favorite life mottos is from the great American, President Theodore Roosevelt, who said, ‘Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing,'” said Senator Bryant, D-Camden and Gloucester. “Today I am genuinely appreciative of the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights’ recognition of my contributions in public service. Recognition from bodies that affect change in our communities is an inspiration to me and an honor to our forefathers.”