New York State Forms Commission to Consider Reparations for Slavery

On Thursday, New York state legislators passed a bill to establish a commission to study the possibility of reparations for slavery.

This commission, as stated in a press release from the state Assembly, will "examine the impact of slavery and subsequent discrimination and systemic racism against African Americans," and propose remedies, reparations, and policy and legislative solutions.

"We want to make sure we are looking at slavery and its legacies," said State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages before the floor debate." This is about beginning the process of healing our communities. There still is generational trauma that people are experiencing. This is just one step forward."

Following three hours of debate, the state Assembly passed the bill, and the state Senate quickly followed, reported by the Associated Press. The bill now awaits Governor Kathy Hochul's approval.

In 2020, California became the first state to form a reparations task force, recommending that the state apologize for its legacy of racism and discriminatory policies. It also suggested the formation of an agency for Black residents to access a variety of services, but did not specify reparation payment amounts.

The proposed New York bill aims to establish a commission that would address disparities experienced by Black residents in the state, and investigate the role both federal and state governments played in endorsing slavery, as reported by AP.

However, not all legislators supported the bill. "I'm concerned we're opening a door that was closed in New York State almost 200 years ago," said Republican State Assemblymember Andy Goodell during floor debates on the bill. Despite his opposition, Goodell acknowledged his support for existing equality efforts.

The proposed commission would produce a report one year after their first meeting, and their recommendations would be nonbinding. The state legislature wouldn't be obligated to vote on the commission's recommendations, which could include reparations in the form of monetary compensation.

The state's first Black Assembly Speaker, Carl Heastie, described the legislation as "historic." Heastie, Hochul, and the state Senate's legislative leader would each be responsible for appointing three members to the commission.