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December 20, 2023

New York Establishes Commission to Explore Reparations for Black Residents
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New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill creating a commission to
consider reparations for Black New Yorkers who have endured the ongoing
legacy of slavery and racism. It's the third state to launch such a
taskforce, after California and Illinois. Among other things, the
commission will investigate housing discrimination, policing and
incarceration, and income inequality. A recent report by the New York
City Comptroller's Office found white households in the state have a
median net worth almost 15 times higher than Black households. The
commission could recommend monetary or other forms of compensation,
though the state would not be compelled to abide by these. Reverend Al
Sharpton spoke at Tuesday's signing ceremony.

Rev. Al Sharpton: "I do not know where the commission will go, but I
know that history is made, because there is a commission and there is a
recognition. And sometimes even if you can't take away the pain and the
scar, we gain a lot by being recognized that is due to be repaired."



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