Chicago mayor launches ‘Black Reparations Task Force’ ahead of Juneteenth

CHICAGO (TND) — Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Monday announced the creation of a “Black Reparations Task Force” devoted to creating a “Black Reparations Agenda” for residents. The task force will study how the city’s policies have impacted its Black residents “from the slavery era to present day” and will create recommendations to remedy these wrongdoings, according to the announcement. Johnson said the move is more than simply talk. “Today’s Executive Order is not just a public declaration; it is a pledge to shape the future of our city by confronting the legacy of inequity that has plagued Chicago for far too long,” Johnson said. “These decisive actions move us beyond words and are a testament to my administration taking on the responsibility of this work. Thank you to all for your unwavering dedication that has brought us to this pivotal moment toward a more just and equitable Chicago for all.” Among other duties, the task force will hold public hearings for Black citizens “with lived experience of their harm” to voice concerns, educate the public on reparations and create a reparations “definition and framework.” The legacy of slavery and its aftermath echoes, even today, and the executive order names...