New York reparations commission to host first public hearing in buffalo, inviting community voices

The New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies (NYSCCRR) is set to hold its inaugural public hearing on November 12, 2024, at Elim Christian Fellowship Church, located at 70 Chalmers Avenue in Buffalo.

Starting at 5:30 PM, the hearing will offer a platform for community members to share personal stories and insights on the long-standing impacts of slavery on African American New Yorkers, including the descendants of the enslaved.

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Commissioners Timothy R. Hogues, a Buffalo native, and Dr. Scanelle Hawkins, Chair of NYSCCRR’s statewide initiative, will be present to connect with residents. Established under Senate Bill S1163A, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2023, the Commission represents New York’s commitment to addressing the historical harms and inequalities experienced by African Americans, tracing back to the early 1600s and persisting to the present.

Appointed from across New York, the nine commissioners bring a range of expertise in researching economic, social, and political impacts of historical injustices. As Commissioner Hogues emphasized, “We are committed to amplifying community voices, ensuring that the public’s perspectives are integral to our recommendations for reparative measures.”

The Buffalo hearing will specifically address “Harms of Slavery in Buffalo, NY,” highlighting the city’s unique historical legacy and its place within the larger narrative of reparative justice. Community members are encouraged to participate, sharing perspectives on Buffalo’s role in this history and its modern-day implications.