NYC Takes Step Towards Reparations, Contrasting California’s Stalled Efforts

New York City lawmakers have approved legislation to study the city’s role in slavery and consider reparations for descendants of enslaved people. This decisive action starkly contrasts the recent setbacks faced by similar initiatives in California. The package of bills passed by the New York City Council marks a huge milestone in addressing historical injustices. Mayor Eric Adams has already expressed support. If Adams signs these proposals into law, they will urge the city’s Commission on Racial Equity to propose remedies for slavery’s legacy. These strategies will include potential reparations. They will also develop a truth and reconciliation process to find historical truths concerning slavery in the state. Additionally, they will build an informational sign on Wall Street to commemorate the site of New York’s first slave market, which ran from 1711 until 1762. What Does The Reparations Movement Want To Achieve? ABC7 NY reports that Council Member Farah Louis, a key sponsor of the legislation, emphasized that the reparations movement goes beyond mere financial compensation. “Systemic forms of oppression are still impacting people through redlining, environmental racism, and underfunded services in predominantly Black neighborhoods,” Louis stated during the council meeting. The city’s initiative will work in tandem with an...