NY to study reparations for slavery, possible direct payments to Black residents

New York will study the generational impacts of slavery through a new state commission to consider reparations for Black residents. Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday approved the study of slavery’s legacy. The commission will possibly make recommendations for monetary compensation or other reparations for New York’s Black residents under the effort. The Democrat-controlled state Legislature approved the measure in June. New York became the second state to consider reparations, following a similar path to California, where a commission recommended a range of policies to offset the impact of slavery and racism. The cost of reparations in California have been estimated at more than $800 billion, though the amount would be determined by lawmakers through potential legislation. How New York will address slavery and reparations In New York, the commission will be tasked with examining the legacy of slavery, subsequent discrimination against people of African descent and the impact these forces continue to have in the present day, Hochul said in a statement. During a media briefing, Hochul touted New York’s pivotal role in combating slavery and racism through wars and the Civil Rights movement, but she also acknowledged how the state benefited from the forced labor of those stolen away...