New York reparations commission schedules public meetings in the Bronx and Rochester

By AI, Created 9:52 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – The New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies will hold public business meetings May 15 at two sites in the Bronx and Rochester. The sessions will include updates on the commission’s work, with livestreams and recordings available for people who cannot attend.

Why it matters: - The New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies is moving its work forward in public, with meetings that could shape reparative justice recommendations for New York State. - The commission’s process matters because its final report is intended to inform the governor and state legislature. - Public access is limited during business meetings, so livestreams and recordings expand who can follow the commission’s decisions.

What happened: - The commission will hold public business meetings on Friday, May 15, 2026, in the Bronx and Rochester. - The Bronx meeting will take place at Walker Memorial Baptist Church, 120 E 169th Street, Bronx, NY 10452. - The Rochester meeting will take place at Lake Riley Lodge at Cobb’s Hill Park, 100 Norris Drive, Rochester, NY 14610. - The meetings are open to the public, and community members may attend and observe. - Commissioners will be available for questions and conversation after the formal meeting.

The details: - The agenda includes updates on the commission’s ongoing work, communications strategy, community outreach efforts and next steps toward advancing reparative justice across New York State. - The primary focus of the meetings is internal commission business, including discussions, planning, decision-making and votes on resolutions as needed. - At least five commissioners must be present for any vote. - Public comment may be limited to a short period at the end of the meeting. - The meetings will be live-streamed, and video recordings will be posted on the commission’s website. - The commission is continuing statewide study of the economic, social and political impacts of slavery and systemic racism in New York State. - Additional public hearings and business meetings are scheduled through spring 2026. - Community members can find more information at the commission’s reparations page. - Written or audio testimony may be submitted by email to ReparationsCommission@reparations.ny.gov or by voicemail at 518-473-3997.

Between the lines: - The Bronx and Rochester stops suggest the commission is trying to make the process accessible outside Albany and reach communities across the state. - The emphasis on internal business shows the commission is still in a working phase, focused on planning and deliberation before recommendations are finalized. - The limited public comment window signals that these meetings are not designed as open forums, even though they remain publicly viewable.

What’s next: - The commission will continue holding public hearings and business meetings through spring 2026. - The group will keep gathering input and studying the issue before issuing its evidence-based reparations recommendations. - More materials and updates will remain available on the commission’s website.