§ 34-201 Truth, healing, and reconciliation process established.
AC § 34-201
a. Objectives. CORE shall establish a truth and reconciliation process with the following objectives: 1. Establishing historical facts about slavery and its legacies in or in connection with the city of New York, including those that remain disputed or denied; identifying the historical and social contexts that gave rise to them; and making recommendations as to whether further investigation is appropriate; 2. Protecting and acknowledging affected persons and communities before, during, and after the process; and 3. Recommending and encouraging policy and social changes for government and community institutions in order to prevent the recurrence or perpetuation of harms and injustices caused by and associated with slavery and its legacies. b. Plan required. Not later than June 19, 2027, CORE shall deliver to the mayor and the speaker of the council, and shall post publicly on its website, a plan describing the scope and implementation for a truth and reconciliation process, including but not limited to a plan for a public outreach and information campaign; a description of sites, including space and accessibility features, that are to be designated as public forums; the specific topics to be addressed through a truth and reconciliation process; terms and guidelines for public participation in proceedings; a plan to support and protect the physical and psychological health of participants; an implementation timeline; measures to ensure the preservation and memorialization of the proceedings and findings in accordance with section 34-207; and any other steps CORE deems necessary to achieve broad-based public awareness, engagement, and participation before, during, and after the truth and reconciliation process. The plan shall incorporate a start date for truth and reconciliation proceedings no later than June 19, 2028. c. Participatory and transparent process. In creating a plan, selecting topics, and otherwise carrying out its duties in relation to a truth and reconciliation process pursuant to this chapter, CORE shall consult extensively with community stakeholders and persons with expertise in truth and reconciliation, and publish 2 reports on its progress. Specifically: 1. CORE shall, at a minimum, consult with community stakeholders who represent each of the 5 boroughs and who: (a) Have relevant personal experience or expertise regarding harms and injustices related to slavery or its legacies in or in connection with the city of New York, which experience may include having descended from enslaved persons; (b) Represent institutions, organizations, corporations, or associations that are organized or operated primarily for historical, cultural, educational, religious, or charitable purposes and that are connected to African American or indigenous American heritage, history, or culture; or (c) Have relevant personal experience or expertise in promoting racial justice and equity in the city of New York; 2. No later than January 15, 2026, CORE shall submit to the mayor and the speaker of the council, and post publicly on its website, a written update on its selection, and terms of engagement with, community stakeholders and persons with expertise in truth and reconciliation; and 3. No later than January 15, 2027, and in consultation with community stakeholders and persons with expertise in truth and reconciliation, CORE shall submit to the mayor and the speaker of the council, and post publicly on its website, a progress report on CORE’s research process and preliminary findings in preparing the plan required by subdivision b of this section. d. Coordination. In undertaking work pursuant to this chapter, the chair shall coordinate with the New York state community commission on reparation remedies established pursuant to section 3 of chapter 729 of the laws of 2023. (L.L. 2024/091, 10/12/2024, eff. 10/12/2024)
