Commission holds historic discussion on reparations in Queens

The New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies held its first public hearing on July 30, 2024, in the State Capitol. They held their first public hearing in New York City on Dec. 16, 2024.Photo courtesy of NYSCCRR By Noah Powelson Residents of Southeast Queens gathered this week for a historic public forum tackling a complex issue – reparations. The New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies held their first public hearing in New York City on Monday evening. Taking place in the Rochdale Village, attendees observed the commission fill membership roles, participate in workgroups, and receive an abridged history of slavery and redlining in New York. A public forum was held immediately afterwards for guests to discuss their hopes for the commission and reparations in New York, as well as their skepticisms. The commission has been touring New York State holding similar forums and workshops. Currently, the commission is expected to present a report to Governor Kathy Hochul early next year with recommendations on addressing historic disparities among Black New Yorkers. It will likely be a long time before the commission’s work presents tangible results, but the commissions’ public forums currently provide space for a discourse on...