Illinois African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission to host public hearing in Springfield on Oct. 19

SPRINGFIELD —The State of Illinois African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission (ADCRC) announces the third stop on its series of statewide public hearings it is hosting to discuss reparatory actions for Black Americans in Illinois who are descendants of American chattel slavery. The next public hearing will take place in Springfield at Southeast High School on Saturday, Oct. 19. For those unable to attend in person, the hearing will be livestreamed on the ADCRC YouTube page: www.YouTube.com/@IllinoisADCRC. Through these public hearings, the commission aims to gather vital recommendations on reparations from the general public for policymakers and key stakeholders. Featured speakers—including Dr. Lesa Johnson, Dr. Kamau Kemayo, and Dr. Pamela Twyman Hoff—will present the intergenerational impact of enslavement, racial terror, political disenfranchisement, and ongoing discrimination. Subsequent hearings will occur throughout Illinois in the coming months. “This public hearing will provide a space for Springfield and central Illinois citizens to share their experiences, ensuring their voices are heard and validated. These public hearings hosted by the ADCRC aim to promote accountability, inspire policy changes, and pave the way for a more equitable society,” said ADCRC Commissioner Twyla Moore. The ADCRC is committed to gathering diverse perspectives to shape recommendations for tangible actions toward...