In the heart of the City Council, a package of legislation is sparking passionate debates and igniting the spirits of New Yorkers. Among these proposals is a daring question: Should black New Yorkers receive reparations for the wounds of slavery? Simultaneously, another bill seeks to remove artwork deemed “racist” from public land.
Councilwoman Farah Louis of Brooklyn seized the moment to present her own reparations bill on the same day that Albany’s state legislature passed a similar law. Now, the decision lies with Governor Kathy Hochul. The proposed legislation aims to establish a commission to investigate the far-reaching impact of slavery and racial discrimination statewide. If necessary, the commission would have the power to provide compensation.
Meanwhile, in St. Louis, a task group of nine individuals embarks on a momentous mission as part of the city’s unique reparations measure. They have one year to uncover truths and submit a comprehensive report. However, their recommendations, like the state bill, would be advisory and not legally binding.
These legislations form a crucial part of a larger effort by council members of color to address historical injustices. Crystal Hudson, a passionate advocate from Brooklyn, proposes a “Truth, Healing, and Reconciliation” process led by the city’s Commission of Racial Equity. The aim is to reveal historical facts about the city’s involvement in slavery and recommend changes to prevent its recurrence. It is worth noting that New York abolished slavery over two centuries ago and even sacrificed over 50,000 lives in the Civil War to emancipate slaves.
In alignment with Hudson’s endeavors, Sandy Nurse, another progressive from Brooklyn, introduces her own bill. Nurse’s proposal mandates the city’s Public Design Commission, in consultation with city agencies, to develop a plan for removing monuments and artwork that glorify ex-slave owners, those who committed “systemic” crimes against indigenous peoples, or individuals involved in crimes “against humanity.” The bill also requires explanatory plaques to be placed near schools named after those who profited from slavery or committed similar atrocities, as determined by the commission and city agencies.
This legislative journey traces back to former mayor Bill de Blasio, who, in 2017, established a panel to reassess monuments across all five boroughs following violent unrest in Charlottesville. The commission’s recommendation resulted in the removal of one statue: that of Dr. J. Marion Sims, a prominent 19th-century gynecologist who conducted experiments on enslaved African women.
Councilwoman Louis took to Twitter, praising the legislation package as a significant step toward rectifying long-standing injustices and acknowledging the imperative of genuine reparations. However, she chose not to respond to messages that flooded her inbox on a Friday bustling with expectations.
Amidst the fervor, Minority Leader Joe Borelli of Staten Island and Robert Holden of Queens, known for their moderate and conservative perspectives, expressed strong opposition to the legislation. Holden emphasized New York’s proud history of fighting against slavery and providing a haven for those seeking freedom. He suggested focusing on the genuine challenges currently facing the city instead of debating inconsequential copycat measures. Borelli declared, “I’ll leave the state before I pay a dime in taxes to compensate any New Yorker for a 200-year-old crime I didn’t commit.”
The measure is currently under review, according to a representative for Mayor Adams. As the city awaits the decision, the delicate balance between the past and the present, between history and justice, hangs in the air. The outcome will shape the trajectory of New York, as it grapples with its complex narrative and strives for a fairer future.