On Tuesday, Governor Kathy Hochul approved legislation in New York that aims to establish a commission dedicated to studying reparations for the descendants of slaves. The governor emphasized the importance of acknowledging and confronting the state's historical involvement in slavery, urging New Yorkers to reject any attempts to justify or overlook the benefits derived from this institution.
The bill, which was signed by Hochul, a member of the Democratic party, was officially enacted during a ceremony held on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. It is worth noting that this event took place six months after the state Legislature had initially passed the plan. According to the governor, the establishment of the commission will enable individuals to engage in a thoughtful and rational discussion regarding their desired vision for the future.
Chattel slavery, a form of human bondage where individuals were treated as property, endured for a period of two centuries in the state of New York. This dark chapter in history has left a lasting and deeply distressing impact on the region. Historic sections of New York City, such as the renowned Wall Street and the original Broadway thoroughfare, were constructed by enslaved individuals. During the year 1730, it was recorded that approximately 42% of the population residing in New York City were slave owners.
According to a study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles, New York State's schools have been identified as the most segregated in the nation. According to a recent report from the New York City comptroller's office, there exists a significant racial wealth disparity within the state. The median net worth of white households is nearly 15 times greater than that of Black households.
The racial wealth gap presents a significant challenge for Black residents of New York City. According to data from the federal Labor Department, there exists a wage disparity between Black and white workers in the state. Specifically, Black workers earn approximately 74 cents for every dollar earned by their white counterparts.
According to Hochul, it is a fact that when a large number of individuals in our community face ongoing challenges in providing for their families and ensuring a better future for their children, it hinders the progress of all of us. These challenges include difficulties in accessing quality education and healthcare, which are essential rights that every individual deserves. Additionally, these individuals also have to confront the injustices and discrimination associated with racism, further exacerbating their struggles.
The governor emphasized that the lingering consequences of slavery in New York necessitate a response that goes beyond a mere apology issued 150 years after the nationwide abolition of slavery in 1865. Slavery was officially abolished in the state of New York in the year 1827.
During the bill signing ceremony, Hochul expressed her belief that engaging in this conversation is not only fair but also necessary. She argued that refraining from discussing the matter would be an unjust course of action. In order to effectively alter the trajectory of justice, it is imperative that we demonstrate a willingness to engage in discussions surrounding challenging topics.
The legislation has proposed the establishment of a commission consisting of nine members. These members will be appointed by different entities, ensuring a fair and balanced representation. Specifically, three members will be appointed by the governor, three by the Assembly, and three by the Senate. The panel has been tasked with the responsibility of presenting its findings and recommendations on the topic of reparations within a specific timeframe. This timeframe requires the panel to complete its work and submit its report within one year from the date of its launch. The recommendations, although put forth, would not carry any legal or mandatory obligations.
The legislation was signed by the governor just under two weeks before the end-of-year deadline for action on the plan. The governor admitted to having reservations about the concept. Polling data indicates that there is a significant divergence in opinions between White Americans and Black Americans regarding the issue of reparations. Generally speaking, White Americans tend to oppose reparations, whereas Black Americans tend to be more supportive of them. The governor expressed concerns about engaging in the conversation due to the potential for racial division and conflict that it may cause.
During the ceremony, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, a Bronx Democrat, commended Hochul for prioritizing actions that align with what is morally correct, rather than succumbing to political pressures or considerations.
According to a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2021, it was found that a majority of Americans, specifically more than two-thirds, expressed their opposition towards the idea of providing reparations to the descendants of slaves. According to a statewide survey conducted by Siena College during the summer, it was found that 45% of New Yorkers expressed their support for a reparations commission. This indicates that a significant portion of the population in New York is open to the idea of establishing such a panel. According to the poll results, a significant portion of the respondents, specifically 37%, expressed their belief that the establishment of a reparations commission would have negative implications for the state of New York.
In a statement released on Tuesday, State Sen. Rob Ortt, who holds the position of the top Republican in his chamber, expressed his concerns regarding the recommendations put forth by the commission. Sen. Ortt believes that these recommendations are not feasible, will impose a significant financial burden on all residents of New York, and will ultimately contribute to further divisions within the state. In a statement, Ortt emphasized that the reparations for slavery were exacted through the sacrifice of numerous American lives during the Civil War.
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In her explanation for her move, Hochul pointed to evidence that indicates the continued existence and influence of white supremacism. She specifically referenced a tragic incident in her hometown of Buffalo, where a white gunman took the lives of 10 Black shoppers. She expressed her disapproval by highlighting the issue of racial inequality within the state she governs.
According to Hochul, the commission's objective is to enhance the connections that unite us as a society, particularly by offering a means to address and improve racial inequalities. The bill was authorized by her three years after California became the first state to establish a reparations task force. The plan proposed by New York was approved with a significant majority in both the Assembly, with a vote of 106 in favor and 41 against, and the Senate, with a vote of 41 in favor and 21 against.
During the bill signing ceremony, State Senator James Sanders, a Queens Democrat who played a key role in sponsoring the bill, expressed his vision for the future of New York. He emphasized the transformative nature of the legislation, highlighting the progressive changes that will shape the state's future. He expressed his vision of a future where the significance of one's skin color is equivalent to that of their eye color. In this particular location, individuals are evaluated based on the qualities of their character rather than the color of their skin.
The bill, which was signed by Hochul, a member of the Democratic party, was officially enacted during a ceremony held on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. It is worth noting that this event took place six months after the state Legislature had initially passed the plan. According to the governor, the establishment of the commission will enable individuals to engage in a thoughtful and rational discussion regarding their desired vision for the future.
Chattel slavery, a form of human bondage where individuals were treated as property, endured for a period of two centuries in the state of New York. This dark chapter in history has left a lasting and deeply distressing impact on the region. Historic sections of New York City, such as the renowned Wall Street and the original Broadway thoroughfare, were constructed by enslaved individuals. During the year 1730, it was recorded that approximately 42% of the population residing in New York City were slave owners.
According to a study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles, New York State's schools have been identified as the most segregated in the nation. According to a recent report from the New York City comptroller's office, there exists a significant racial wealth disparity within the state. The median net worth of white households is nearly 15 times greater than that of Black households.
The racial wealth gap presents a significant challenge for Black residents of New York City. According to data from the federal Labor Department, there exists a wage disparity between Black and white workers in the state. Specifically, Black workers earn approximately 74 cents for every dollar earned by their white counterparts.
According to Hochul, it is a fact that when a large number of individuals in our community face ongoing challenges in providing for their families and ensuring a better future for their children, it hinders the progress of all of us. These challenges include difficulties in accessing quality education and healthcare, which are essential rights that every individual deserves. Additionally, these individuals also have to confront the injustices and discrimination associated with racism, further exacerbating their struggles.
The governor emphasized that the lingering consequences of slavery in New York necessitate a response that goes beyond a mere apology issued 150 years after the nationwide abolition of slavery in 1865. Slavery was officially abolished in the state of New York in the year 1827.
During the bill signing ceremony, Hochul expressed her belief that engaging in this conversation is not only fair but also necessary. She argued that refraining from discussing the matter would be an unjust course of action. In order to effectively alter the trajectory of justice, it is imperative that we demonstrate a willingness to engage in discussions surrounding challenging topics.
The legislation has proposed the establishment of a commission consisting of nine members. These members will be appointed by different entities, ensuring a fair and balanced representation. Specifically, three members will be appointed by the governor, three by the Assembly, and three by the Senate. The panel has been tasked with the responsibility of presenting its findings and recommendations on the topic of reparations within a specific timeframe. This timeframe requires the panel to complete its work and submit its report within one year from the date of its launch. The recommendations, although put forth, would not carry any legal or mandatory obligations.
The legislation was signed by the governor just under two weeks before the end-of-year deadline for action on the plan. The governor admitted to having reservations about the concept. Polling data indicates that there is a significant divergence in opinions between White Americans and Black Americans regarding the issue of reparations. Generally speaking, White Americans tend to oppose reparations, whereas Black Americans tend to be more supportive of them. The governor expressed concerns about engaging in the conversation due to the potential for racial division and conflict that it may cause.
During the ceremony, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, a Bronx Democrat, commended Hochul for prioritizing actions that align with what is morally correct, rather than succumbing to political pressures or considerations.
According to a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2021, it was found that a majority of Americans, specifically more than two-thirds, expressed their opposition towards the idea of providing reparations to the descendants of slaves. According to a statewide survey conducted by Siena College during the summer, it was found that 45% of New Yorkers expressed their support for a reparations commission. This indicates that a significant portion of the population in New York is open to the idea of establishing such a panel. According to the poll results, a significant portion of the respondents, specifically 37%, expressed their belief that the establishment of a reparations commission would have negative implications for the state of New York.
In a statement released on Tuesday, State Sen. Rob Ortt, who holds the position of the top Republican in his chamber, expressed his concerns regarding the recommendations put forth by the commission. Sen. Ortt believes that these recommendations are not feasible, will impose a significant financial burden on all residents of New York, and will ultimately contribute to further divisions within the state. In a statement, Ortt emphasized that the reparations for slavery were exacted through the sacrifice of numerous American lives during the Civil War.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM WAYNEDUPREE.COM
In her explanation for her move, Hochul pointed to evidence that indicates the continued existence and influence of white supremacism. She specifically referenced a tragic incident in her hometown of Buffalo, where a white gunman took the lives of 10 Black shoppers. She expressed her disapproval by highlighting the issue of racial inequality within the state she governs.
According to Hochul, the commission's objective is to enhance the connections that unite us as a society, particularly by offering a means to address and improve racial inequalities. The bill was authorized by her three years after California became the first state to establish a reparations task force. The plan proposed by New York was approved with a significant majority in both the Assembly, with a vote of 106 in favor and 41 against, and the Senate, with a vote of 41 in favor and 21 against.
During the bill signing ceremony, State Senator James Sanders, a Queens Democrat who played a key role in sponsoring the bill, expressed his vision for the future of New York. He emphasized the transformative nature of the legislation, highlighting the progressive changes that will shape the state's future. He expressed his vision of a future where the significance of one's skin color is equivalent to that of their eye color. In this particular location, individuals are evaluated based on the qualities of their character rather than the color of their skin.
