New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill creating a commission to consider reparations for Black New Yorkers who have endured the ongoing legacy of slavery and racism. It’s the third state to launch such a taskforce, after California and Illinois. Among other things, the commission will investigate housing discrimination, policing and incarceration, and income inequality. A recent report by the New York City Comptroller’s Office found white households in the state have a median net worth almost 15 times higher than Black households. The commission could recommend monetary or other forms of compensation, though the state would not be compelled to abide by these. Reverend Al Sharpton spoke at Tuesday’s signing ceremony.
Rev. Al Sharpton: “I do not know where the commission will go, but I know that history is made, because there is a commission and there is a recognition. And sometimes even if you can’t take away the pain and the scar, we gain a lot by being recognized that is due to be repaired.”