Mayor Brandon Johnson Launches Public Application To Join Chicago’s Reparations Task Force
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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Launches Public Application Process for Reparations Task Force

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, in partnership with the Office of Equity and Racial Justice and the Aldermanic Black Caucus, has announced the launch of the public application process for Chicago's Reparations Task Force. This task force, created by Executive Order 2024-1 and launched on Juneteenth 2024, will support a historic effort to develop Chicago's first comprehensive reparations study.

According to Mayor Johnson, this task force represents a pivotal moment in the city's history and his administration's ongoing pursuit to repair generations of harm experienced by Black communities. "By bringing together diverse voices and expertise from across our communities, we are doing more than just studying the past—we are creating Chicago's first comprehensive roadmap for reparations that will build a more equitable future that centers justice for all," he stated.

Interested individuals can apply for a spot on the task force through May 20th, 2025. The task force will have 40 members, with 25 appointed through a nomination process by the Mayor's Office and the Aldermanic Black Caucus, and 15 through this public application process. All nominees and applicants will complete a short application to ensure diverse and inclusive representation.

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Carla Kupe, Chief Equity Officer, emphasized the importance of this work in creating a more just future for all Chicagoans. "This work is not only essential for Black communities—it is foundational to Chicago's future," she said. "When Black Chicagoans access opportunity and reclaim agency over their lives, the impact resonates across our entire city."

The task force is funded through Mayor Johnson's $500,000 investment towards studying reparations and restoration, which was committed to the City's 2024 fiscal year budget. Members will be compensated for their contributions and will serve for one year following the first meeting to produce Chicago's Reparations Study next summer.

Stephanie Coleman, Chairwoman of the Aldermanic Black Caucus, highlighted Chicago's history of leading the nation in advancing justice and equity. "With the creation of the Reparation Task Force, I am proud that we are showing our commitment to investing in the documentation and reparation of harm," she said. "Together, we are not just making history, we are correcting it."

Alderman Desmon Yancy, 5th Ward, expressed his honor in leading this vital work as a descendant of chattel slavery. "Uplifting the voices and needs of our community is the foundation of my commitment to public service," he stated. "The Reparations Task Force and Study is more than a policy initiative—it is a moral obligation."

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The Chicago Reparations Study will analyze the harmful policies that have negatively impacted Black Chicagoans and their ancestors to identify appropriate remedies. The task force's key responsibilities include defining what Black reparations means in the specific context of Chicago, identifying key areas of harm for redress, reviewing policies and practices that have led to structural inequities, and developing recommendations for reparative action.

Members will also attend community engagement sessions and public hearings, review relevant materials to inform decision-making and recommendations, and support the development of Chicago's Reparations Study.

Interested individuals can submit their applications here to join the Reparations Task Force. For any questions or inquiries, please reach out to equity.opportunities@cityofchicago.org. This task force represents a significant step towards acknowledging and addressing historic wrongs while building a more equitable future for all Chicagoans.

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