The Democrats Abroad Reparations Task Force (DA RTF) welcomes the announcement of the members appointed to the New York State Reparations Commission by Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.
The appointed members of the New York State Reparations Commission include:
- Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies;
- Timothy R. Hogues, commissioner for the Department of Civil Service and president of the Civil Service Commission;
- Linda Brown-Robinson, immediate past president of the Syracuse Onondaga NAACP;
- Darrick Hamilton, Ph.D., Henry Cohen Professor of Economics and Urban Policy at The New School;
- Linda Tarrant-Reid, author, historian, freelance journalist, photographer, and community activist;
- Seanelle Hawkins, president and CEO of the Urban League of Rochester;
- Dr. Ron Daniels, founder and president of the Institute of the Black World 21st Century;
- Lurie Daniel Favors, Esq., executive director of the Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College; and
- Rev. Dr. Deborah D. Jenkins, founding pastor of Faith @ Work Christian Church, Coop City.
“The Democrats Abroad Reparations Task Force applauds the announcement of the New York State Reparations Commission's membership,” said DA RTF Chair Antar Keith. “We look forward to working with the commissioners to ensure the voices of New Yorkers both in state and abroad are heard as we build a better, safer New York for all.”
“Past and present discriminatory policy not only harms Black New Yorkers at home, but also leaves lasting damage which remains even when we move abroad. No matter where we reside on Earth, Black New York voters and our allies will continue to push the Empire State to become a beacon of reparative justice. The world is watching as we embark on this historic journey together.”
Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation to create a New York State Reparations Commission on December 19, 2023. The panel is tasked with crafting a blueprint that will put New York on the path toward true freedom and equality for all.