 | This articlemay incorporate text from alarge language model. It may includehallucinated information,copyright violations, claims notverified in cited sources,original research, orfictitious references. Any such material should beremoved, and content with anunencyclopedic tone should be rewritten.(October 2025) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
 | This articleneeds additional citations forverification. Please helpimprove this article byadding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "African Americans in New Jersey" – news ·newspapers ·books ·scholar ·JSTOR(November 2023) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 1,519,770 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
North Jersey:
Central Jersey:
South Jersey:
Jersey Shore: |
| Part ofa series on | ||||||||||||
| African Americans | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||
Politics
| ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
Sub-communities
| ||||||||||||
Dialects and languages
| ||||||||||||
Population
| ||||||||||||
African American New Jerseyans are residents of the U.S. state ofNew Jersey who are ofAfrican American ancestry. As of the 2020 census, African Americans comprise approximately 15.4% of the state's population. The historical presence of African Americans in New Jersey can be traced back to the colonial era, during which enslaved Africans were transported to the state by Dutch and English settlers.[1][2][3][4][5]
The arrival of the first African Americans in New Jersey can be traced back to the 17th century when Dutch settlers brought enslaved Africans to the region.[6][7]
During the American Revolution, New Jersey became a battleground in the fight against British rule, with many joining the Continental Army and fighting for their own freedom. Notable figures such asOliver Cromwell, an African American soldier, made significant contributions[vague] to the cause.[8]
The early 19th century witnessed a gradual shift in the status of African Americans in New Jersey. The state passed laws that gradually abolished slavery, leading to the emancipation of enslaved individuals. However, racial discrimination and segregation persisted, limiting the opportunities available to African Americans.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a period of significant migration for African Americans in New Jersey. Many individuals moved from the rural South to urban areas such as Newark and Camden in search of better economic prospects. This influx of African Americans contributed to the growth of vibrant communities and cultural institutions.
Notable figures such asPaul Robeson, a renowned actor, singer, and civil rights activist, emerged from the state, leaving a lasting impact on American culture.
According to the 2020 Census, the African American population in New Jersey is estimated to be approximately 1.2 million people, representing approximately 15% of the state's total population.[9] This figure includes individuals who identify as Black or African American alone, as well as those who identify as Black or African American in combination with one or more other races.
The African American population in New Jersey is predominantly located in urban areas, specifically in the cities of Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Trenton, as well as in Essex and Union Counties. South Jersey also harbors a substantial African American population, primarily concentrated inCamden County, Willingboro, andAtlantic City. These regions are also host to a significant number of African American residents. Historically, these cities have served as pivotal centers for African American culture and activism, and they continue to play a crucial role as community hubs in the present day. Nevertheless, African Americans can be found dispersed throughout the entirety of the state.
 |
{{cite journal}}:Cite journal requires|journal= (help)Trenton (capital) | |
| Topics | |
| Society | |
| Regions |
|
| Counties | |
| Major cities and towns | |