Assemblyman Tom Alfano announced that legislation he sponsored with Assemblyman Keith Wright which calls for the establishment of the Amistad Commission has been signed into law. The Alfano-Wright Law will provide greater public education of black history in America and the tortuous African slave trade in schools. Alfano called the new law "a real triumph in helping educate the greater public on racism, prejudice and discrimination."

The bill A6362, passed the Assembly and Senate in the closing days of the 2005 legislative session. The new law comes on the heels of another measure, Alfano Law, helping establish the African American Cultural Arts and Cinema Museum. The new law creates a 19-member Amistad Commission with responsibility for reviewing statewide school curriculum regarding the slave trade in America in the social studies classes. The panel is further required to report its findings and make recommendations to the legislature and governor about workshops, school-based programs and other public venues for addressing the legacy of slavery and racism with greater understanding of and adherence to the principles of human rights.

"I was very proud to team with my friend Assemblyman Keith Wright on this important civil rights and educational measure. Learning about our past helps us make the right decisions on our future. This commission will help educate and promote equality for people of all backgrounds for generations to come. I'm proud to be a part of this historic beginning for our state," said Assemblyman Alfano. Assemblyman Wright is former chairman of the Black, Puerto Rican and Hispanic Caucus.

Members of the commission include the Secretary of State, Commissioner of Education, Chancellor of the State University of New York, and citizens appointed by the governor and legislative leaders.

The Amistad Commission is named in honor of the group of enslaved Africans led by Joseph Cinque who, while being transported in 1839 on a vessel named the Amistad, gained their freedom after overthrowing the crew and eventually having their case argued before the United States Supreme Court.

"It's my hope that we'll put together a soundly based school unit at this important time in our nation's history. By educating our young people and communities about this time period we're promoting human rights, sensitivity and ending prejudice in every corner of our society," said Assemblyman Alfano.