‘We Have a Moral Obligation’: New York to Explore Reparations for Slavery Despite GOP Pushback

New York has taken a significant step in efforts toward racial justice by approving a new commission to study the history of slavery in the state and consider paying reparations, a controversial issue that has received pushback from some GOP lawmakers nationwide. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, signed legislation Tuesday that authorizes the creation of a community commission on reparation remedies, which will study the negative impacts of slavery on African-Americans. The bill was introduced by Assembly Member Michaelle Solages following the 2022 Buffalo mass shooting that was racially motivated.   New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (Photo: X/Kathy Hochul) The commission will be composed of nine members who have experience in various fields, including education, training “or lived experiences in the fields of African or American studies,” according to a press release from the office of Gov. Hochul. “We are continuing our efforts to right the wrongs of the past by acknowledging the painful legacy of slavery in New York,” Hochul said in a written statement. “We have a moral obligation to reckon with all parts of our shared history as New Yorkers, and this commission marks a critical step forward in these efforts.” At the bill signing event...