CMS Announces Launch of Reparations Commission Website to Inform Public
about Economic Inequities Due to Impacts of Slavery
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[March 01, 2023]
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Central
Management Services (CMS) announced today the launch of a website for
the African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission (ADCRC). As part of
the Economic Opportunity Bill, the ADCRC was established to bring an
equity focus on African American communities and residents that have
been disproportionally impacted by longstanding disinvestment due to
direct and systemic repercussions of slavery.
The ADCRC has been tasked with developing and recommending measures to
ensure equity, equality, and parity for African American descendants of
slavery. As part of their scope, the Commission, authorized by 20 ILCS
405/405-540, will be reviewing and recommending actions geared towards
the preservation and growth of African American neighborhoods and
communities. The Commission will be working to study and remedy enduring
economic inequities through a series of outlined methods, including:
building and developing a vocational center for People of African
Descent-Citizens, ensuring proportional economic representation in all
State contracts and the creation and enforcement of an Illinois Slavery
Era Disclosure Bill.
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“A critical first step in the work of the ADCRC is collaborative public
engagement which includes both educating and hearing from the public
concerning the ongoing impacts of slavery, along with the need to employ
reparative justice strategies for American Descendants of Slavery,” said
Marvin Slaughter, ADCRC Chair, “The Commission will be taking a holistic
approach to gain knowledge to inform our task of making recommendations
that address disparities present in our community as a result of slavery
and its vestiges.”
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The ADCRC will educate the public about the subject of reparations
through a series of public hearings and other engagement methods. To
this end, the Commission has established a website,
adcrc.illinois.gov, as the official repository of information about
its goals and work. The site includes an overview of the ADCRC
mission and governing statutes, makeup of Commission membership,
educational resources referencing reparations work that is being
spearheaded in other parts of the United States, and information
about past and future meetings. The site will continue to evolve
with the work of the ADCRC, and provide information about multiple
ways to engage with the Commission and this pioneering work. This
includes information about how to provide public comment at a future
commission meeting and a registration form to be added to a
distribution list for updates on the ADCRC’s work as well as
upcoming events.
"I am looking forward to the engaging and innovative work that will
be done by the Commission to help remedy long standing inequities in
black communities across the state,” said ADCRC Commissioner and
State Representative Sonya Harper (D-Chicago), “I encourage
residents to follow along to learn and provide feedback as we figure
out what reparations for descendants of slavery looks like in
Illinois."
The ADCRC is actively seeking engagement throughout all areas of the
State of Illinois and looking to expand. Illinois residents with
education or background in reparations work, particularly African
American descendants of slavery, are encouraged to apply for
consideration to serve on the ADCRC, as resident voices play a vital
role in promoting efficient, effective, and honest government.
For more information about Illinois' Boards and Commissions,
including the ADCRC, eligibility requirements and application
process, interested individuals should visit
appointments.illinois.gov.
Information about the work of the ADCRC is available at
adcrc.illinois.gov. |