Meeting adjourned at 2:19pm. Thank you for following along!

None in the room for public comment

Public commenter Ernest Russell:

Thinks California got it right by adding a retroactive statute and thinks it’s more justice aligned. They are excited about the work the commission is doing.

Public commenter Nette:

Asks that the commission replays Dr. Longs presentation and head what Dr. Long said about identifying the harm group

Online public comments are first.

Turning to public comment.

Switching now to literature recommendations on reparations

One of the commissioners acknowledges that this is a report that can act as a good recommendation.

The committee is now discussing Dr Boyd’s report.

The Harm report is expected to be completed by August 25th.

Discussing who will be able to attend the public hearings in Urbana, IL and in Springfield, IL on October 4th.

Motion to approve community guest speakers. The vote has passed.

Motion to approve Dr. Boyd as the wealth gap guest speaker and the vote passed

Moving to old business.

The chair wants vote on the second option due to timing, but the contractor is worried about state brand guidelines. So they would like to give it until next meeting. Committee voted on a compromise that utilizes option two if the guidelines allow, and if not, they will use the existing format.

Rebranding worked on typography color, how social media could look, and flyer options for an upcoming event.

Guest speakers from the Rise Strategy Group are present to discuss their work on the Commission’s rebranding options.

July minutes were approved

There is now a quorum as more members joined during Dr. Longs presentation.

That concludes Dr. Long’s presentation

Dr. Long specifies that affirmative action has benefitted white women and African immigrants most as opposed to only.

Commissioner Algee (joining virtually) asked about Dr. Long’s statement that affirmative action has only benefitted white woken and African immigrants. So the Commissioner asked why Long had that position and what would be more equitable for legacy black Americans and black women specifically

Dr. Long notes that the language of class injury based categorization rather than a race based one

Dr. Long notes that they did not mention the 10th amendment as the commissioner thought, but there is still relevance

Commissioner Williams asks for the connection to the 10th amendment. They also ask about the $4.1 billion in existing funds to the program.

Dr. Long says it should be class specific, lineage based investment, and can include public education.

Monique Jones asked for clarification on a suggestion for normalizing black Americans receiving reparations policy

Dr. Long is taking questions from the commissioners

Dr. Long says that there must be outcome driven programs and policies

Third ask is to be as creative and precise as possible when addressing these needs