Delay in New York’s Reparations Study Sparks Controversy

The U.S. Freedmen Project, a reparations activist group, voiced concerns about New York state’s delay in studying historic remedies for reparations. Despite the group’s expectations, they’re not anticipating financial compensation following the lawmakers’ postponement of the study.

Devine Prince, President of U.S. Freedmen Project, criticized the mainstream reparations movement. He stated that the movement often leads to exhaustion and surrender from those owed reparations. His comments addressed the pursuit of race-based policies in a country where the 14th Amendment prohibits them.

The U.S. Freedmen Project identifies as ‘Foundational Black Americans’ and aims to educate on the distinctions between African Americans descended from enslaved people in the U.S. and immigrants from Africa or the Caribbean.

“What the mainstream reparations movement is really about … is spinning your wheels until [those] to whom the debt is owed tire out, give up, and give in,” said Devine Prince.

The project’s concerns follow backlash over the extended timeline for the New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies. This extension, embedded in the state budget, moves the deadline from 2027 to 2029.

The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) condemned the delay, arguing that it is a disservice to those affected by inequality. Chantelle Williams, from the NYCLU’s Racial Justice Center, emphasized ongoing discrimination impact while awaiting state action.

Established by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2023, the commission examines the state’s historical connections to slavery, discrimination, and economic disparities. It also seeks recommendations for possible financial compensation and policy reforms.

Despite public hearings, lawmakers opted to extend the commission’s deadline to navigate legal challenges to diversity initiatives. The budget measure includes provisions protecting commissioners from legal liabilities.

Lineage advocates criticize the delay and commission’s framework, urging reparations exclusively for descendants of enslaved individuals in the U.S. They argue that including recent Black immigrants diminishes unique historical claims.

“These are individuals that have been put in place to keep the status quo intact while pretending they’re working to undo it,” said Prince.

Contrastingly, U.S. Freedmen Project proponents argue that race-based reparations violate the Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause. They advocate for strict lineage-based criteria to prevent legal issues.

Criticism arises amid reparations efforts in other states. In Evanston, Illinois, $25,000 housing grants were distributed to eligible Black residents as part of reparations efforts.

Despite efforts, Prince remains skeptical about the state’s fulfillment of reparations concerns.

“Realistically, I’m expecting the same thing that I expected going into this: nothing,” Prince stated.

New York officials did not respond to requests for comment on this delay.