Bill Text: NJ SJR151 | 2026-2027 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates August 18 of each year as "Thyson T. Halley Day" in New Jersey.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1)
Status: (Introduced) 2026-06-15 - Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee [SJR151 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2026-SJR151-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator ANGELA V. MCKNIGHT
District 31 (Hudson)
SYNOPSIS
Designates August 18 of each year as "Thyson T. Halley Day" in New Jersey.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating August 18 of each year as "Thyson T. Halley Day" in New Jersey.
Whereas, Thyson T. Halley was born on August 18, 1981 in Jersey City to the late Aaron and Patricia Holliday-Halley; and
Whereas, Diagnosed with spinal meningitis, Mr. Halley faced a bleak future. Doctors told his family that he would be unable to speak, walk or do anything; and
Whereas, However, after recovering from this devastating diagnosis, Mr. Halley was able to overcome his personal obstacles, learning sign language when he was two-years old, and dedicating his life to the deaf community; and
Whereas, Educated in the Jersey City public schools for the deaf, Mr. Halley continued his studies at Camden County College and Temple University and went on to become a certified deaf interpreter and sign language specialist, providing linguistic education throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland; and
Whereas, A dedicated advocate, Mr. Halley worked closely with children on the autism spectrum, served as the Vice-President of the New Jersey Black Deaf Advocates, founded the Association for Deaf Ministry and Sign Language Ministry, and in his civic life, served on the Ethics Standards Board of New Jersey; and
Whereas, Mr. Halley led deaf ministries throughout Newark and Jersey City and was the founder of His Hands Deaf, a signing language and interpreter ministry at Chosen Generation Ministry in Newark, where he was ordained and served as the Pastor to the Deaf. Known for his vivid, bilingual preaching, Elder Halley sought to make the Word accessible to both Deaf and hearing congregants; and
Whereas, Mr. Halley also worked with Project Reconnect Program, a youth and family support initiative in New Jersey that helps justice-involved youth reintegrate into their communities after juvenile justice involvement, and through his advocacy and leadership, assisted with taking more than 1,500 underprivileged youth and parents to Disney World; and
Whereas, Mr. Halley interpreted at political inaugurations throughout New Jersey and served as a sign language interpreter for Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Folop; and
Whereas, In 2017, Mr. Halley hosted "Sign with Cops and First Responders," a training initiative supported by county law enforcement that introduced First Responders to Deaf culture and fundamental American Sign Language (ASL). He also supported legislative efforts to strengthen ASL skills among law enforcement and first responders; and
Whereas, Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Halley had the privilege of interpreting for former Vice President Kamala Harris, Queen Latifah, Shaquille O'Neal, Snoop Dog, Pitbull, Fat Joe, and many more. In 2024 he was recognized as an Apple Ambassador for the Deaf community and featured in an Apple commercial; and
Whereas, Mr. Halley's leadership and service were recognized with numerous honors, including the United States Congressional Award presented by Congressman Donald Payne Jr., and his appointments to the Board of Commissioners of the ADA Compliance Task Force of the Newark Museum of Art and the Board of Commissioners of the Mary Eliza Mahoney Health Center in Newark; and
Whereas, Guided by his motto, "Even with my deafness, I still have a purpose to serve the People," Thyson T. Halley was a powerful voice for accessibility, inclusion, and Deaf rights. He leaves a legacy of unwavering commitment, compassion, and advocacy for the Deaf community and all who needed his voice and his hands; and
Whereas, Therefore, it is fitting and proper to designate August 18 of each year as "Thyson T. Halley Day" in order to celebrate his life and work; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. August 18 of each year is designated as "Thyson T. Halley Day" in New Jersey in order to celebrate the life and work of a man who was a powerful voice for accessibility, inclusion, and Deaf rights and who leaves a legacy of unwavering commitment, compassion, and advocacy for the Deaf community and all who needed his voice and his hands.
2. The Governor may annually issue a proclamation recognizing August 18 as "Thyson T. Halley Day" and call upon public officials and residents of the State of New Jersey to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates August 18 of each year as "Thyson T. Halley Day" in New Jersey.
Thyson T. Halley was born on August 18, 1981 in Jersey City to the late Aaron and Patricia Holliday-Halley. Diagnosed with spinal meningitis, Mr. Halley was able to overcome his personal obstacles, learning sign language when he was two-years old, and dedicating his life to the Deaf community.
Educated in the Jersey City public schools for the deaf, Mr. Halley continued his studies at Camden County College and Temple University, becoming a certified deaf interpreter and sign language specialist. He also led Deaf ministries throughout Newark and Jersey City, was the founder of His Hands Deaf, a signing language and interpreter ministry at Chosen Generation Ministry in Newark, where he was ordained and served as the Pastor of the Deaf, and worked with Project Reconnect Program, a Statewide youth and family support initiative.
Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Halley interpreted at political inaugurations throughout New Jersey, was recognized as an Apple Ambassador for the Deaf community, and received numerous honors for his leadership and service, including the United States Congressional Award.
Therefore, it is fitting and proper to designate August 18 of each year as "Thyson T. Halley Day" in order to celebrate the life and work of a man who was a powerful voice for accessibility, inclusion, and Deaf rights and leaves a legacy of unwavering commitment, compassion, and advocacy for the Deaf community and all who needed his voice and his hands.
