Reparations for the descendants of slaves are moving closer to becoming a reality in New York City. City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams emphasized the importance of acknowledging the historical legacy of slavery in the city.
The bill aimed at addressing slavery reparations was passed by a vote of 41 to 8 on Thursday. Councilmember Farah Louis, the sponsor of the bill, highlighted how the impacts of slavery still affect the lives of Black New Yorkers today. She mentioned systemic inequalities such as redlining, environmental racism, and underfunded services in predominantly Black neighborhoods.
The city of New York had the second-largest enslaved population after Charleston, South Carolina, according to the NYC Department of Records and Information Services. It was also the second-to-last northern state to abolish slavery.
The reparations study included in the bill aims to document the harms of slavery and its lasting legacies in the city. It will identify associated rights violations and recommend potential legal, policy, and other measures to address these harms. The New York Civil Liberties Union expressed the need for the city to confront its past in order to create a more equitable future for all residents.
Despite the majority support for the bill, there were dissenting voices. Republican Council Minority Leader Joseph Borelli questioned the need for reparations, stating that he would only consider it if he met a New Yorker who owned a slave. He argued against paying for a harm he did not cause, condone, or participate in.
If Mayor Eric Adams decides to veto the bill, it would require a two-thirds vote of the Council to override his decision. The Mayor has not yet indicated his stance on the bill.
It is important to note that New York City is not the only place considering reparations. Other cities are also exploring different approaches, such as direct payments or community investments, to address the legacy of slavery. This initiative reflects a broader national conversation on racial justice and reparations for historical injustices.