In a controversial attempt to rectify historical wrongs, the New York state legislature recently approved a bill considering reparations for slavery.
Detractors of the initiative argue that it drifts the spotlight from contemporary solutions to the perils of a long-gone era.
In an attempt to justify the necessity of the bill, state Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages stated, “We want to make sure we are looking at slavery and its legacies. This is about beginning the process of healing our communities. There still is generational trauma that people are experiencing. This is just one step forward.”
The bill passed both the state Assembly and Senate last week following an intense debate, signifying a new wave of race-focused policymaking.
It’s now pending the consideration of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
Critics are skeptical about such legislative moves, which they believe divert attention from creating real opportunities in the present.
Replicating California’s 2020 reparations task force model, New York’s legislation also proposes forming a commission.
However, the former’s recommendations did not extend to specific reparations payment, whereas the scope of New York’s proposal remains open.
The commission’s remit, as per the New York bill, will be to inspect the extent of support the federal and state governments lent to the institution of slavery.
It will additionally tackle the ongoing economic, political, and educational discrepancies encountered by Black New Yorkers.
Historically, the bill points out, the first enslaved Africans were brought to Manhattan Island, then a Dutch settlement, around the 1620s, becoming instrumental in constructing New York City’s infrastructure.
New York State’s legislation enacted freedom for enslaved Africans in 1817, but it took an additional decade for its actual implementation.
Nonetheless, this retrospective approach has stirred concerns.
As Republican state Assemblymember Andy Gooddell, who voted against the bill, argued during the debates, “I’m concerned we’re opening a door that was closed in New York State almost 200 years ago.”
In his view, such a fixation on reparations may thwart the path toward fostering equality for all.
Gooddell’s preferred route is to “continue on that path rather than focus on reparations.”