Designates April 9 of each year as Dr. James Still Day in New Jersey.
Impact
The resolution serves to highlight the legacy of Dr. Still in New Jersey, commemorating a figure who rose from a background of poverty and racial prejudice to achieve success in a primarily white-dominated profession. By designating a day in his honor, the state encourages public recognition of the importance of diverse historical contributions to the medical field. This designation is expected to foster educational opportunities around Dr. Still’s life and work, enhancing public awareness of African American history within medicine.
Summary
AJR97 is a joint resolution introduced in the New Jersey Legislature that designates April 9th of each year as 'Dr. James Still Day.' This resolution aims to honor Dr. James Still, an influential African-American herbalist and homeopathic healer born on April 9, 1812, in New Jersey. The law acknowledges Dr. Still's contributions to the medical field and his innovative work in herbal medicine, particularly with the creation of a cough balm that brought him significant recognition and wealth.
Contention
While this resolution is generally celebrated as a step towards acknowledging the contributions of minority figures in history, some may see it as insufficient in addressing broader issues related to racial equity in healthcare. The recognition of Dr. Still might raise discussions about ongoing disparities in the medical field and the need for continued advocacy for inclusivity and support for practitioners from diverse backgrounds.