Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill on Tuesday (Dec. 19) to create a commission to examine possible reparations for Black New Yorkers, per BET.
“Nearly 400 years after the first enslaved Africans arrived in New York, the legacy of this injustice still holds us back. That’s why I just signed a law creating a Community Commission on Reparations that will study this legacy and make recommendations on the path forward,” Hochul said in a statement.
The move comes after New York lawmakers passed the bill for a reparations commission in June. Enslaved Africans first arrived in Manhattan in the 1920s and helped build the city’s infrastructure, but they weren’t able to benefit from it, according to the measure.
“What’s hard to embrace is that our state flourished from that slavery. It’s not a beautiful story, but indeed it is the truth. Today, I challenge all New Yorkers to be the patriots and rebuke and not excuse our role in benefitting from the institution of slavery,” Hochul said in a statement.
State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, the bill’s sponsor, applauded Hochul for moving forward with the reparations commission.
“In acknowledging New York’s history, we confront the high cost of racial injustices. By Gov. Hochul signing into effect the Reparations & Remedies Commission, New York State will empower communities to actively participate in shaping the essential path forward toward unity and healing,” Solages said.
The commission is set to examine the effects slavery has on the economic, political, and educational disparities that Black New Yorkers face today. The group will deliver a report one year after their first meeting, outlining suggestions for how Black residents could be compensated.
“Reparations lay the groundwork for a future where all New Yorkers can thrive and prosper,” Solages said. “I commend the Legislature, the Governor, and advocates for their collaborative efforts. I am proud to have sponsored this legislation and eager to continue advancing together in shaping our shared future.”
The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.
About Post Author
