New York has taken a significant step in efforts toward racial justice by approving a new commission to study the history of slavery in the state and consider paying reparations, a controversial issue that has received pushback from some GOP lawmakers nationwide.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, signed legislation Tuesday that authorizes the creation of a community commission on reparation remedies, which will study the negative impacts of slavery on African-Americans.
The bill was introduced by Assembly Member Michaelle Solages following the 2022 Buffalo mass shooting that was racially motivated.
The commission will be composed of nine members who have experience in various fields, including education, training “or lived experiences in the fields of African or American studies,” according to a press release from the office of Gov. Hochul.
“We are continuing our efforts to right the wrongs of the past by acknowledging the painful legacy of slavery in New York,” Hochul said in a written statement. “We have a moral obligation to reckon with all parts of our shared history as New Yorkers, and this commission marks a critical step forward in these efforts.”
At the bill signing event in New York, Hochul was joined by many Black leaders, including Rev. Al Sharpton, who said, “We still see Blacks making 70 cents to every dollar whites make,” CBS reported.
Still, advocates for reparations must continue to fight against attempts by many conservatives to block reparation programs, said Alanna Lamar, board member of the South Florida Chapter of the National Coalition of Blacks For Reparations in America (N’COBRA).
“This is a historic step in the right direction, and a sign of all the progress being made in the reparations movement at the Federal, State and Local levels,” Lamar, who is a lawyer based in Florida, said in an interview with Atlanta Black Star.
“Unfortunately, as we witness progress toward…
Read the full article here
