The New York State Reparations Commissioners received a wonderful turn out for their event hosted at the Carol L. Crooms BECA Center on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
Before a full house, three commissioners ( Dr. Shanelle Hawkins, Timothy R. Hughs and Dr. Ron Daniels ) explained that they are traveling through New York State to describe the commission’s work, and ultimately to report their recommendations to Governor Kathy Hochul.
Two speakers described how current policies developed as outcomes of Slavery and Racial Segregation in New York State have impacts on lives of millions of New Yorkers today. Did you know that slavery started in New York in 1626? Also, New York City had a slave market on the corner of Wall Street and Market Street in 1711. Slavery was foundational to New York State. And the damage done did not end with abolition in 1827…