New York Reparations Delay Sparks Criticism

A reparations activist with the grassroots group U.S. Freedmen Project stated they do not anticipate any financial compensation from New York state officials. This follows a delay in a high-profile study into historical reparations.

Devine Prince, President of the U.S. Freedmen Project, commented on the delay. He criticized the mainstream reparations movement, claiming it spins its wheels until those owed give up. He questioned the pursuit of race-based policies in a system with the 14th Amendment, which prohibits such policies.

The U.S. Freedmen Project identifies as “Foundational Black Americans.” They aim to educate the public on the legal and historical distinctions between African Americans who are descendants of enslaved people in the U.S. and recent African or Caribbean immigrants.

The U.S. Freedmen Project criticized delays from New York’s reparations commission.

Prince’s remarks come after backlash over a timeline extension for the New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies. A provision in the recent state budget moved the commission’s report deadline from 2025 to 2029.

The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) condemned the delay. Chantelle Williams from the NYCLU expressed concerns over the state’s decision to postpone reparations action, which continues to impact Black individuals and communities.

The nine-member state commission, established by legislation signed by Governor Kathy Hochul, studied New York’s ties to slavery, discrimination, and economic disparities. It delivered recommendations for financial compensation and policy reforms.

Despite public hearings, state lawmakers extended the commission’s deadline. Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages acknowledged the extension was to navigate legal challenges to diversity and inclusion initiatives.

The budget measure also protected commissioners from personal legal liability regarding lawsuits over their findings.

Lineage advocates from the U.S. Freedmen Project opposed the delay and commission framework. They argued reparations should target direct descendants of enslaved individuals, not broader race-based categories.

Activists claim that progressive groups like the NYCLU fail to represent the distinct claims of descendant Black Americans by including recent immigrants.

Prince alleged that commission members seek to maintain the status quo, rather than deliver concrete results. He emphasized the importance of repairing harm to those truly affected.

Supporters of the Freedmen Project argue a state-level reparations bill based on race would violate the Equal Protection Clause. They advocate for a lineage-based eligibility criterion to avoid legal challenges.

New York is among several states exploring local reparative frameworks. Evanston, Illinois, was the first U.S. city to offer $25,000 housing grants to eligible Black residents.

Despite public hearings, Prince remains skeptical about New York state delivering payments to descendants.

Prince said he expects nothing from the process, based on previous advocacy efforts ignored by the New York Legislature.

New York officials did not respond to requests for comment. Joshua Q. Nelson, a reporter for Fox News Digital, covers cultural trends, education, and public policy. He has provided extensive coverage of reparations developments in the U.S.