Commemorating the unveiling of the Solomon Northup sculpture "Hope Out of Darkness" as a historic milestone

This is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill), adopted by the New York State Assembly on June 12, 2025. It formally commemorates the unveiling of the "Hope Out of Darkness" sculpture honoring Solomon Northup - a free Black man kidnapped into slavery in 1841 - in Saratoga Spa State Park on July 10, 2025 (his 218th birthday). The resolution recognizes Northup’s story, documented in his memoir *Twelve Years a Slave*, as a pivotal part of New York’s history and acknowledges the sculpture’s journey to Marksville, Louisiana (where he was enslaved) for its permanent placement. It serves solely to honor this historical milestone for public education and remembrance.