A 13-member reparations task force was announced in February 2023, with a significant delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the unexpected death of former City Council Member JoAnn Watson in July 2022. Watson was a key advocate for reparations.
Led by three co-chairs appointed by City Council President Mary Sheffield and nine at-large members selected by the council, the task force began its work in April 2023. They were given an 18-month deadline to create a report detailing the harms suffered by Black Detroiters and recommendations for reparations.
As the original October 2024 deadline neared, concerns grew over the task force’s slow progress and perceived lack of inclusivity. Following an extension announcement, co-chair Keith Williams independently released a report, which the task force clarified was not the official version. The final report is now expected by March 2025.
