Governor Kathy Hochul has released the final report from the New York State Commission on African American History and announced $16 million to support the development and implementation of recommendations from the report.
The report details the Commission’s investment recommendations in key areas including education, economic development, arts and culture. The goal of the report is to commemorate overlooked achievements from the past and offer actions that the State can advance to counterbalance historic disparities in the Black community.
Established by Executive Order 15 in March 2022, the New York State Commission on African American History is housed at the Department of State and serves to highlight contributions by Africans and African Americans to the United States and New York.
Over the course of two years, the Commission achieved its objective by partnering with stakeholders and community-based organizations to bring New Yorkers together through public meetings, events, cultural programming, and more.
Over the next two years, Governor Hochul will use this funding to advance recommendations made by the Commission in observance of the 400th anniversary of the arrival of 11 captured Africans brought to New Amesterdam for purchase in New York State, occurring in 2026.
Governor Hochul has already taken several steps to advance the Commission’s recommendations, including:
- Signing legislation to continue New York’s leadership on racial equity by creating a new commission to study reparations and racial justice.
- Launching a funded Black Leadership Institute at the State University of New York (SUNY) to attract, support, retain, and foster the success of emerging and current African American and Black leaders within the SUNY educational system.
- Establishing the Dr. Hazel Dukes Fellowship to honor her service and legacy and support future leaders.
- Announcing the I LOVE NY Black travel initiative to grow New York State tourism and encourage Black traveler visitation.
Commission Member William E. Berry Jr. said, “The multi-tasked work of the Commission, the dedication of service by commissioners, as well as the intellectual curiosity and willingness to manifest aspirations to create workable solutions will serve the citizens of NYS well into the future. The funding support is testament to the intentionality of the Governor and Legislature to move forward strategic solutions to enhance the understanding and appreciation of African American history and diverse societal contributions by Black and Brown citizens to the larger community, both historically and currently.”
