Reaffirming Reparations H.R. 40

CONCURRED

WHEREAS, our NAACP National Convention passed a standing resolution in 1993 supporting "the Conyers Bill" and reparations proposals for African Americans; and

WHEREAS, our NAACP was formed in 1909 by white and African American citizens committed to helping right social injustices, most notably the continuing social, political, and economic brutalities and discrimination against African Americans (and others); and

WHEREAS, "the Commission to Study Reparations Proposals for African Americans Act" (currently H.R. 40) has languished in the House of Representatives' Judiciary Committee's Sub‑Committee on the Constitution" since 1989, without a fair and just hearing; and

WHEREAS, the purpose of "the Commission is to Study Reparations Proposals for African Americans Act" is to "acknowledge the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality and inhumanity of slavery in the United States and the 13 American colonies between 1619 and 1865 and to establish a commission to examine the institution of slavery, subsequently de jure and de facto racial and economic discrimination against African Americans, and the impact on these forces on living African Americans, to make recommendations to the Congress on appropriate remedies, and for other purposes."

BE IT THEREFORE, RESOLVED, that our 1988 National Convention re‑endorse and reaffirm "the Commission to Study Reparations Proposals for African Americans Act", H.R. 40 in the 105th  U.S. Congress and, that correspondence stating such endorsement be issued to the National media, Congressman Conyers, the Congressional Black Caucus and the Speaker of the House by the National Offices; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that our NAACP National Office contact the chair of the U.S. House "Judiciary Committee", Congressman Henry Hyde of Illinois, requesting timely hearings on the H.R. 40 Bill; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that our NAACP branches be encouraged to contact their local Congresspersons to elicit support, endorsements and hearings on H.R. 40; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that our NAACP officers and members be encouraged to work with and join groups dedicated to realizing reparations for African Americans such as the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America (NCOBRA) which is based in Washington, DC, with chapters throughout North America, the Caribbean and West Africa (including participating in activities such as circulating petitions in support of H.R. 40; participating in lobbying days on Capitol Hill; in appeals to the United Nations; and in fundraising efforts, etc.), and shall be granted all voting rights in branch matters except those as prescribed in branch elections, Article V.