Dr. Seanelle Hawkins, ULR's President & CEO, Appointed to Governor's Reparations Commission

Rochester, NY - March 1, 2024 - Dr. Seanelle Hawkins, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Urban League of Rochester, has received a distinguished appointment to the Community Commission on Reparations Remedies. Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Speaker Carl Heastie proudly announced their selections on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Dr. Hawkins' appointment signals a significant milestone, underscoring her steadfast commitment to community advocacy and equity.

Established through legislation signed in December 2023, the Commission, comprised of nine esteemed members, embarks on a vital mission to address the enduring repercussions of slavery and subsequent discrimination against people of African descent in New York State. Dr. Hawkins joins a cadre of distinguished individuals tasked with meticulously examining this historical burden and crafting actionable recommendations to rectify systemic inequities.

Expressing gratitude for the appointment, Dr. Hawkins remarked, "I am honored to serve on this esteemed Commission. Our shared goal is to deliver a thoroughly researched report to the temporary president of the senate, the speaker of the assembly, the minority leaders of the senate and the assembly, and the Governor of the State of New York, presenting concrete steps for New York State to pursue in the realms of reparations and racial justice. I hope that through our comprehensive findings and thoughtful recommendations, we can foster healing, reconciliation, and a more equitable future for all."

The Commission's mandate includes conducting public hearings to gather input from diverse stakeholders and submitting a comprehensive report of findings and recommendations within one year of its establishment.

For media inquiries and further information, please contact:

Eliza Benedick-Boll
Email: ebendick@ulr.org