Cultural Awareness

New Jersey is a rich mosaic of people, ideas and ethnicities. Senator Barbara Buono believes we should all respect our differences, celebrate what brings us together and work as a community towards making our state one of the best places in the country to live, work and raise a family.

Barbara Buono believes hate crimes are examples of ignorance at its very worst. That is why she sponsored the bill strengthening New Jersey’s hate crimes legislation by specifying that bias crimes dealing with national origin and gender identity are covered under the law. Buono’s bill also creates a commission to study and make recommendations regarding New Jersey’s bullying laws. Tolerance and learning to respect others needs to begin at an early age and we must instill these values into our children.

Senator Buono sponsored the bill creating the Asian American Study Foundation to enhance understanding and awareness of Asian American cultures. Senator Buono also helped pass a Senate Joint Resolution recognizing October 15th through November 14th as “Diwali Month” in New Jersey. Diwali is a festival of great significance to Indian Americans and is celebrated annually by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains throughout the world.

New Jersey was founded by immigrants who came to America in search of a better life. Senator Buono believes in giving their 21st century counterparts every opportunity to succeed and prosper here in New Jersey. By learning from tragic events of our past through institutions like the New Jersey Holocaust Education Commission and supporting awareness of such historic incidents as the Armenian Genocide, Darfur and American Slavery, Barbara Buono is fighting to make sure our society never forget the horrors inflicted by intolerance and hatred.

Teaching adults and children alike regarding New Jersey’s many cultures and communities remains an important objective, and Senator Buono will continue to seek ways to promote and protect our state’s diversity. She understands the important role non-profit institutions play in the day-to-day lives of so many, and she’ll keep open the lines of communications with non-profit groups so State government can best provide the resources they need to do important work in our communities. Senator Buono will strive to protect our investments in non-profits and continue the work to make them successful in their missions.