RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AN AGENDA AND MISSION FOR THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON REPARATIONS FOR THECH1CAGO DESCENDANTS OF ENSLAVED AFRICANS
WHEREAS, four centuries ago, the transatlantic slave trade began from the west coast of Africa to America resulting in approximately 4,000,000 Africans and their descendants being enslaved in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the institution of slavery was constitutionally and statutorily sanctioned by the United States government and its predecessor colonies from 1619 through 1865. Although the de jure institution of slavery ended with the Emancipation Proclamation, it continued de facto through such onerous policies as Jim Crow and the Black Codes. Such nefarious discrimination provided significant advantages to white individuals and corporations, while disadvantaging African Americans and their descendants; and
WHEREAS, 2019 marked the 100th anniversary of the "Chicago Race Riot," precipitated by the death of Eugene Williams, an African American youth who had accidentally drifted into a white swimming area at a segregated beach near 29th Street. The unrest lasted from July 27 and ended on August 3, 1919, causing 38 deaths and 537 injuries. African American neighborhoods near white areas were attacked by white gangs. Thousands (mostly African-Americans) lost their homes. Some African Americans organized to defend and protect themselves while the city's police department often turned a blind eye or even joined in the mayhem. The mayor at that time exacerbated the situation by refusing to ask the governor to send in the Illinois National Guard even though the guardsmen had been called up, organized in the city's armories and made ready to intervene; and
WHEREAS, last December marked the 50th anniversary of the death of Black Panther Party Chairman, Fred Hampton and Defense Captain Mark Clark. On Dec 4, 1969, the Cook County State's Attorney, along with members of the Chicago Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, stage...
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