[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 1 (Wednesday, January 5, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E12]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCTION STATEMENT: H.R. 40 THE COMMISSION TO STUDY REPARATION 
                  PROPOSALS FOR AFRICAN-AMERICANS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, Jr.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 5, 2011

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to re-introduce H.R. 40, the 
Commission to Study Reparations Proposals for African-Americans Act. 
Since I first introduced H.R. 40 in 1989, we have made substantial 
progress in elevating this issue in the national consciousness. Through 
legislation, state and local resolutions and litigation, we are moving 
closer to a full dialogue on the role of slavery in building this 
country.
  At this time, however, I must acknowledge the passing of a major 
voice in the reparations debate, Dr. Ronald Walters. From his position 
in the academy--Professor at the University of Maryland and head of its 
African American Leadership Institute--Dr. Walters led the debate on 
reparation that touched both the grassroots and scholarly communities. 
His wisdom and clarity will be missed, but never forgotten.
  As evidenced by recent events, the sin of slavery is one that 
continues to weigh heavily upon us. Following the lead of other 
churches, the Episcopal Church formally apologized for its role in 
slavery on October 4, 2008. Florida became the sixth state to apologize 
for slavery on March 26, 2008, following Virginia, Maryland, North 
Carolina, Alabama and New Jersey. During the internationally renowned 
Sundance Film Festival, Traces of the Trade, a documentary in which 
descendants of the largest U.S. slave trading family confront this 
painful history, screened in January of 2008.
  In the 110th Congress, the House passed a slavery apology bill on 
July 29, 2008, in which the House issued a formal apology for slavery. 
The Senate followed on July 18, 2009, with the passage of S. Con. Res. 
26 which was sponsored by Tom Harkin of Iowa. Moreover, in recognition 
of the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave 
trade on January 1, 1808, both the House and Senate passed legislation 
creating a commemoration commission, which was signed into law on 
February 5, 2008, and is currently awaiting funding. I believe that 
such Federal efforts are significant steps toward proper acknowledgment 
and understanding of slavery and its implications, but our 
responsibilities on this matter are even greater.
  The establishment a commission to study the institution of slavery in 
the United States, as well as its consequences that reach into modern 
day society, is our responsibility. This concept of a commission to 
address historical wrongs is not unprecedented. In fact, in recent 
Congresses, commission bills have been put forward.
  In 1983, a Presidential Commission determined that the internment of 
Japanese Americans during World War II was racist and inhumane, and as 
a result, the 1988 Civil Liberties Act provided redress for those 
injured by the internment. However, the internment of Japanese Latin 
Americans in the United States during World War II was not examined by 
the Commission, resulting in legislation calling for a commission to 
examine this oversight. Legislation establishing a commission to review 
the injustices suffered by European Americans, European Latin 
Americans, and Jewish refugees during World War II has also been 
proposed.
  H.R. 40 is no different than these other commission bills. H.R. 40 
establishes a commission to examine the institution of slavery and its 
legacy, like racial disparities in education, housing, and healthcare. 
Following this examination, the commission would recommend appropriate 
remedies to Congress, and as I have indicated before, remedies does not 
equate to monetary compensation.
  In the 110th Congress, I convened the first Congressional hearing on 
H.R. 40. With witnesses that included Professor Charles Ogletree, 
Episcopal Bishop M. Thomas Shaw, and Detroit City Councilwoman JoAnn 
Watson, we began a formal dialogue on the legacy of the transatlantic 
slave trade. This Congress, I look forward to continuing this 
conversation so that our Nation can better understand this part of our 
history.
  Attempts to eradicate today's racial discrimination and disparities 
will be successful when we understand the past's racial injustices and 
inequities. A commission can take us into this dark past and bring us 
into a brighter future. As in years past, I welcome open and 
constructive discourse on H.R. 40 and the creation of this commission 
in the 112th Congress.

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