Georgia Commission on Slavery; Governor Brian Kemp, Chancellor Sonny Perdue, and the Georgia General Assembly create a long overdue state agency; urge (PF)
Impact
If enacted, the commission would serve as a dedicated body to promote educational programs regarding slavery and its historical context. Its responsibilities would involve the development and implementation of initiatives that encourage awareness and memorialization of slavery in Georgia. This is seen as necessary to foster a deeper understanding of the racism and discriminatory practices that have persisted since the abolition of slavery, significantly influencing state laws and educational standards concerning African American history.
Summary
Senate Resolution 432 calls for the creation of the Georgia Commission on Slavery, an initiative aimed at formally recognizing and addressing the historical injustices of slavery and its enduring effects on African Americans. This proposal mirrors the structure of the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust, which has served to educate citizens about the consequences of hate and discrimination. The resolution emphasizes the moral obligation to confront the legacy of slavery, not just as a historical event but as a continuing societal challenge that impacts the lives of Black individuals today.
Contention
Opponents of such initiatives may raise concerns about the effectiveness and focus of the proposed commission, questioning whether it would merely serve as a symbolic gesture without substantive action or change. There might be debates around its potential to affect contemporary discussions on race relations and to what extent it addresses the systemic issues stemming from slavery, including economic and social disparities faced by African Americans in Georgia today. Additionally, the resolution could provoke discussions about funding, administrative oversight, and the potential for political bias in the educational narratives promoted by the commission.
Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act This bill establishes the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans. The commission must (1) compile documentary evidence of slavery in the United States; (2) study the role of the federal and state governments in supporting the institution of slavery; (3) analyze discriminatory laws and policies against freed African slaves and their descendants; and (4) recommend ways the United States may recognize and remedy the effects of slavery and discrimination on African Americans, including through a formal apology and compensation (i.e., reparations). The commission consists of individuals from civil society and reparations organizations and individuals appointed by the President and congressional leadership; Members of Congress and governmental employees may not serve on the commission. The commission may hold hearings, subpoena witnesses and records, and contract with other entities to conduct its work. The commission must submit its final report within 18 months of its first meeting.
Recognizing that the United States has a moral and legal obligation to provide reparations for the crime of enslavement of Africans and its lasting harm on the lives of millions of Black people in the United States.