FAQs

Illinois African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission (ADCRC):

Q: What are the goals of the Illinois African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission (ADCRC)? 

A: Authorized by 20 ILCS 405/405-540, the ADCRC is responsible for developing and implementing measures that ensure equity, equality, and parity for African American descendants of slavery. Additionally, it will hold hearings to discuss the implementation of those measures, educate the public on reparations for African American descendants of slavery, and report to the General Assembly regarding its findings and information. 

The ADCRC will also discuss and implement actions regarding the preservation of African American neighborhoods, the building and development of a Vocational Training Center for African American Citizens, ensuring proportional representation in all State contracts, and the creation and of an Illinois Slavery Era Disclosure Bill. 

Q: When was the ADCRC established? 

A: Effective 1/1/2022 

View Public Act (P.A.) Statute  

Q: When and where are the ADCRC meetings? Who can attend the ADCRC meetings? 

A: All ADCRC meetings are open to the public and can be attended in person or online. There are three physical locations throughout the state where interested individuals can join a Commission meeting in person: Springfield, Chicago, and East St. Louis. Additionally, all meetings are streamed live via Webex, and recordings are posted on the ADCRC website for later viewing. The exact dates, times, links to join virtually, and locations for commission meetings are posted on the ADCRC website at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. For a list of upcoming and past meetings, please check HERE. 

Q: What is the purpose of the public comment period during commission meetings, and why are my questions not answered? 

A: The public comment period provides an opportunity for members of the public to share their perspectives, concerns, and feedback with the commission. It is not a question-and-answer (Q&A) session but rather a time for individuals to express their views on relevant matters. This is an important function, as it enables the commissioners to listen with care to the public and to consider what they hear in their deliberations.   

Q: How can I apply to join the board as a commissioner? 

A: As a resident of Illinois, you are invited to apply to join the Commission. Illinois residents with education or background in reparations work, particularly African American descendants of slavery, are encouraged to apply for consideration to serve on the ADCRC. Serving on a state board or commission is one of the best ways to participate in our democracy. These groups oversee and advise Illinois' elected officials, state agencies, and organizations on a wide range of issues that affect the public welfare. Many boards and commissions have specific requirements for membership eligibility that are set by law, executive order, or other enacting language.  To submit an application, visit https://govappointments.illinois.gov/ or click HERE. 

Q: I applied to the commission and have not received any updates. Who can I contact for a status update? 

A: All applications are processed by the Office of the Governor, and the Commission does not have visibility into the status of applications. If you have any questions or require further assistance regarding an application, please send an email to gov.appointments@illinois.gov. 

Q: Who are the current members appointed to the ADCRC and how can I learn more about them? 

A: The biographies of all the commissioners are on the ADCRC website. To view the full bios, please click on the link provided HERE. 

• Marvin Slaughter Jr, Chair 
• Stephanie Taylor, Vice Chair 
• Roger Elion, Secretary 
• Senator Christopher Belt, State Senator 
• Rep. Sonya Harper, State Representative 
• Jacquie Algee, Member 
• Deborah Lane, Member 
• Carlton Theophilus Mayers II, Member 
• Twyla Moore, Member 
• Joel Sachnoff, Member 
• Theodore Williams, Member 

Q: I have concerns regarding the accuracy of the commission’s name. The name implies eligibility for reparations to all Illinois residents of African descent, including those whose ancestors were not part of the American slave trade. 

A: The statute determined the name of the Commission, not the members. Although the name of the Commission may imply a broader base, the language within the bill specifies the Commission's mandate is to investigate and make recommendations for reparations to individuals who can demonstrate their lineage as African American descendants of the American slave trade. 

View the bill in its entirety HERE.  

Q: What is the Open Meetings Act (OMA)?  

A: The Open Meetings Act is a state law that mandates that commission meetings should be open to the public, except in specific, limited situations where the law allows the commission to close a meeting. Additionally, OMA requires that public bodies provide advance notice about the time, place, and subject matter of meetings to the public. OMA was designed to ensure that Illinois residents have access to their government and transparency. 

Q: What steps can community members take to get involved with the ADCRC's initiatives? 

A: Citizens and Organizations can verbally express support of the ADCRC through a Petition of Support. 

Members of the public can also complete the Public Engagement Survey to assist the commission in its efforts and conduct public hearings. Complete the survey HERE. 

 Your support is pivotal in the advancement of the work of pursuing equity through reparations. Subscribe to receive email updates and newsletters from the African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission. SUBSCRIBE HERE. 

Q: What types of reparations does the ADCRC tasked with reviewing? 

A: (1) develop and implement measures to ensure equity, equality, and parity for African American descendants of slavery; 

(2) hold hearings to discuss the implementation of measures to ensure equity, equality, and parity for African American descendants of slavery; 

(3) educate the public on reparations for African American descendants of slavery; 

(4) report to the General Assembly information and findings regarding the work of the Commission under this Section and the feasibility of reparations for Illinois African American descendants of slavery, including any recommendations on the subject; and 

(5) discuss and perform actions regarding the following issues: 

             (i) Preservation of African American neighborhoods and communities through investment in business development, home ownership, and affordable housing at the median income of each neighborhood, with a full range of housing services and strengthening of institutions, which shall include, without limitation, schools, parks, and community centers. 

            (ii) Building and development of a Vocational Training Center for People of African Descent-Citizens, with satellite centers throughout the State, to address the racial disparity in the building trades and the de-skilling of African American labor through the historic discrimination in the building trade unions. The Center shall also have departments for legitimate activities in the informal economy and apprenticeship. 

            (iii) Ensuring proportional economic representation in all State contracts, including reviews and recommendations for changes to the State procurement and contracting requirements and procedures with the express goal of increasing the number of African American vendors and contracts for services to an equitable level reflecting their population in the State. 

            (iv) Creation and enforcement of an Illinois Slavery Era Disclosure Bill mandating that in addition to disclosure, an affidavit must be submitted entitled "Statement of Financial Reparations" that has been negotiated between the Commission established under this Section and a corporation or institution that disclosed ties to the enslavement or injury of people of African descent in the United States of America. 

Q: What are the eligibility criteria(s) to receive reparations through the ADCRC? 

A: African American communities and residents that have been disproportionally impacted by longstanding disinvestment due to direct and systemic repercussions of slavery. 

Q: Is the ADCRC affiliated with any specific political or social organizations? 

A: No. 

Q: Are there any upcoming events or initiatives hosted by the ADCRC that individuals can participate in? 

A: The ADCRC will educate the public about the subject of reparations through a series of public hearings and other engagement methods. To this end, the Commission has established a website, adcrc.illinois.gov, as the official repository of information about its goals and work. 

Subscribe to receive email updates on events and newsletters from the African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission. SUBSCRIBE HERE. 

The public can also attend Commission meetings and review the minutes. The schedule of meetings can be found HERE. 

Q: How can community members provide feedback or suggestions to the ADCRC? 

A: The Public Comment period of the meeting is set aside for ADCRC to hear from the public. Discussion between speakers and members of the audience is not permitted. Each individual wishing to be heard during the public comment period will be given up to 3 minutes to make a comment. 

Register for Public Comment HERE.   

Q: What is the timeline for the ADCRC's work, and when can we expect to see tangible outcomes? 

A: The Commission does not have a specific end date for their work or the assembly of the Commission. The Commission will continue to function until the tasks assigned to it are completed or the relevant legislation is amended. While there is no specific end date for the Commission's work or assembly, the Commission members are committed to producing tangible outcomes. Once the Commission has completed its work, the outcomes will be made available to the public. 

Q: How does the ADCRC plan to ensure transparency and accountability in its operations? 

A: Each year, the Commission shall submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly regarding its actions and any required information. The annual report of the Commission will also be made available to the public on the internet website of the African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission and the Department of Central Management Services. View annual reports HERE. 

Additionally, the meeting agendas, minutes, and recordings are archived on the ADCRC website for transparency and accessibility.