Oct 1, 2024 Story by: Editor
The third meeting in a series focused on discussing reparations for Black descendants of American slaves in Illinois is set to take place later this month in Springfield.
These hearings aim to gather public input and feature speakers who will address the long-term effects of enslavement, political disenfranchisement, and persistent racial discrimination.
“This public hearing will provide a space for Springfield and central Illinois citizens to share their experiences, ensuring their voices are heard and validated,” said Twyla Moore, a member of the commission.
The commission, established by the General Assembly, has several key objectives, including preserving African American neighborhoods and communities, creating vocational centers for people of African descent, ensuring proportional representation in state contracts, and advocating for an Illinois slavery era disclosure bill.
“The goal is to create pathways for economic and social equity for African American residents. This ensures that the legacy of the past, including recent injustices, informs meaningful policies and recommendations for the future,” said Dominic Watson, another member of the commission. Source: My Journal Courier
