For Immediate Release

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Today, Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D. (NY-16) joined Governor Kathy Hochul and other New York officials to celebrate the signing of Senate Bill S1163A/Assembly Bill A7691, which establishes the New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies.

“I am honored to join Governor Hochul and my fellow New Yorkers in celebrating this first step in New York State’s path to reparations,” said Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D. (NY-16). “I urge my colleagues to continue supporting community-led processes that study, define, and execute reparations for Black Americans. We have to be honest with ourselves and tell the truth about our history and how it impacts our communities today, so that together we can build a better future. Every corner of our society has been harmed by the lasting impacts of the evils of slavery. Reparations for Black New Yorkers are necessary for us to forge a path forward that acknowledges America’s original sin and addresses centuries of discrimination, redlining, and institutionalized oppression. This is an opportunity for all of us to collectively heal.”

“Our healing must happen not just here in New York, but across the country, so that we can truly root out the lasting impact of slavery. In Congress, we are working on monumental legislation to create a reparations commission and appropriate funding to address the harms of chattel slavery. We will continue to champion and support grassroots efforts like these until we achieve reparations. New York is setting an inspiring example by delivering on the long overdue promise to repair this harm when the federal government has yet to do so. I am incredibly proud as a Black man and a New Yorker that we are taking this step in the right direction to fostering racial healing, and I look forward to continuing to fight for these policies at the federal level.”

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