Basketball great Shaquille O'Neal, rock 'n' roller Jon Bon Jovi, comedian Jerry Lewis and civil rights activist Paul Robeson have been elected to the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

The honor is meant to highlight positive contributions made to the Garden state which is often stereotyped as a dangerous state with corrupt politicians.

This group of hall of famers embodies the spirit of New Jersey, a combination of drive, determination and creativity that has led them to greatness, Gov. Jon Corzine said in a statement.

The Hall of Fame's inaugural class inducted in May included entertainers Frank Sinatra and Bruce Springsteen, novelist Toni Morrison and scientist Albert Einstein

The induction ceremony will be held in May at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.

New Jersey