In a significant move towards racial justice, Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson has officially opened the application process for the city’s Reparations Task Force. This unprecedented initiative aims to examine the lasting impacts of systemic harm against Black residents in Chicago and to develop a strategy for reparative measures.
The announcement was made in collaboration with the Office of Equity and Racial Justice and the Aldermanic Black Caucus. The task force is set to play a crucial role in producing Chicago’s first thorough reparations study, with plans for publication next summer. Potential applicants can submit their applications until May 20, 2025.
Mayor Johnson emphasized the historic importance of this task force, stating, “This Reparations Task Force represents a pivotal moment in our city’s history and my administration’s ongoing pursuit to repair the generations of harm our people have endured.”
The task force is designed to include 40 members, with 25 nominated by the Mayor’s Office and the Aldermanic Black Caucus. The remaining 15 members will be chosen through a public application process, aimed at ensuring a representation that reflects a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and expertise.
Funding for the initiative totals $500,000 as part of the city’s 2024 budget, and task force members will be compensated for their time. They are expected to serve for one year following their initial meeting, with a clear mission to investigate and recommend policies that address historical injustices faced by Black Chicagoans in various domains, including housing, education, public safety, and economic opportunity.
Carla Kupe, the city’s Chief Equity Officer, highlighted the importance of this work, stating, “When Black Chicagoans access opportunity and reclaim agency over their lives, the impact resonates across our entire city.”
This initiative draws on Chicago’s established leadership in the national reparations movement, referencing the advocacy and efforts of local leaders and community groups, including the Conrad Worrill Community Reparations Commission and former Alderman Dorothy Tillman’s initiatives in the early 2000s. Local advocates believe that it is time for the city to transition from acknowledgment to concrete action.
Ald. Stephanie Coleman, chair of the Aldermanic Black Caucus, underscored this sentiment by stating, “Together, we are not just making history—we are correcting it.”
Ald. Desmon Yancy also expressed the personal significance of the task force’s formation, saying, “As a descendant of chattel slavery, it is a profound honor to lead this vital work. The Reparations Task Force and Study is more than a policy initiative — it is a moral obligation.”
The responsibilities of the task force include defining reparations in the context of Chicago, identifying areas for redress, amplifying public testimonials, reviewing policies that contribute to structural inequities, and developing actionable recommendations for reparative measures.
Additionally, members will engage in community sessions, attend monthly meetings, and review relevant materials to aid decision-making. Applications are currently being accepted, and residents with questions can reach out via email at [email protected].
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