U.S. Freedmen Project Responds to New York State Reparations Delay

The U.S. Freedmen Project, a grassroots organization, has voiced concern over New York state officials’ decision to delay a study into reparations for historical injustices. Devine Prince, the group’s president, stated they do not anticipate financial compensation from New York due to extended deadlines for the reparations study. The project aims to differentiate African Americans descended from enslaved individuals in the U.S. from more recent immigrants from Africa or the Caribbean.

The delay has sparked criticism, notably from the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU). Chantelle Williams from NYCLU condemned the state’s decision, emphasizing the ongoing impact of discrimination on Black communities. The commission’s deadline was moved from 2025 to 2029, raising questions about when reparations might be addressed.

Established by Governor Kathy Hochul, the commission was tasked with examining New York’s ties to slavery and suggesting policy reforms. Despite recent public hearings, including one in Harlem, lawmakers pushed back the deadline, citing legal challenges to diversity initiatives. A budget provision protects commissioners from lawsuits over their findings.

The U.S. Freedmen Project criticized both the delay and the commission’s approach. They argue reparations should strictly benefit descendants of enslaved individuals in the U.S., not broader race-based groups. Prince claims that commission members maintain the status quo rather than seeking true reparations.

He believes reparations should focus on those directly harmed, not broad racial categories. Supporters argue that race-based reparations could violate the U.S. Constitution. They urge criteria based on lineage to minimize legal challenges. Similar efforts are seen in other states, like Illinois, where Evanston provided housing grants to Black residents.

Prince expressed doubt that payments will materialize despite hearings and research, noting previous advocacy efforts were ignored. He anticipates officials will continue to distance themselves from reparations.