HARLEM, NY (June 19, 2023) - After passing a New York State Reparations & Remedies Commissions, the members of the New York State’s Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus (Caucus), led by Assemblymember Michaelle Solages (D-Elmont), gathered at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr State Office Building to raise the Black Liberation Flag in commemoration of the Juneteenth holiday.

The bill empowers the community commission to analyze the matter of reparations, as well as the legacy of de jure and de facto racial and economic discrimination against people of African descent. The commission will hold various hearings throughout New York State, hear from stakeholders, and then make recommendations to the legislature for any suggested remedies it deems proper for New York State to implement to respond to the injustices and wealth transfers caused by slavery and its legacies.

“This legislation is an important step in changing a long history of systemic racism and discrimination, and what better day to celebrate this historic win than the Juneteenth holiday. Reparations is about more than monetary compensation – it’s about atoning and a guarantee of non-repetition,” Chair Assemblymember Michaelle Solages said. “We need to change our political structures and laws to ensure Black New Yorkers are empowered and made whole,”

The “legislative intent” section of the bill recounts the history of slavery in New York, which is much more troubling and detailed than is commonly understood within New York, including the critical role of New York businesses in maintaining the slave system even after slavery was (partially) abolished within New York State in 1827. By some estimates, New York received 40% of U.S. cotton revenue through its financial firms, shipping businesses, and insurance companies. The wealth that was stolen through this system, and the role of these financial ties to today’s inequalities, will be further addressed by the commission.