WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) along with U.S. Representatives Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30) and Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) reintroduced the United States Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Resolution, which urges the creation of a congressional commission acknowledging and examining systemic racism that has impacted Black Americans throughout U.S. history and the racial inequities that persist today.
“Over 400 years ago, the first ship carrying enslaved Africans arrived in what is now known as the United States of America,” said Senator Booker. “Our nation’s promise is to be a place of liberty and justice for all, but we must acknowledge that systemic racism and white supremacy still persist in our nation’s fabric. This commission on truth, racial healing, and transformation would join the United States with more than 40 countries who have already reckoned with historical injustice and its aftermath and would inform the public how the legacy of systemic racism continues to impact Black Americans, and the work that lies ahead for our country to heal.”
“For far too long, our country has ignored the historic, systematic racism that has plagued our nation, which has resulted in the continued injustice we see within our communities today,” said Congresswoman Crockett. “The recent efforts to erase Black history from our schools, overturn criminal justice and policing reforms, and eliminate policies that protect our constituents from discrimination demonstrates precisely why this legislation is needed now more than ever. If we are to heal and build on progress towards equality, then we must acknowledge our past, and this bill helps ensure we do just that. I am honored to continue the work of former Congresswoman Barbara Lee and champion this legislation alongside my colleagues Senator Booker and Representative Simon.
“Honored to join Senator Booker and Congresswoman Crockett in introducing a resolution to establish a U.S. Commission on truth, racial healing, and transformation. Our nation was founded on a promise of liberty and justice for all, and I’m committed to working every day in Congress to bring our nation closer to this original promise,” said Congresswoman Lateefah Simon. “This resolution is a necessary first step to recognize and root out the structural inequalities and systemic racism that continue to impact Black communities. I am honored to pick up the mantle from my predecessor and a fierce fighter for justice, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, on this effort to create a commission that will help our nation acknowledge a history of systemic racism and move forward.
The bill is consponsored by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ed Markey (D-MA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).
To read the full text of the bill, click here.