and State governments of the United States supported
the institution of slavery in constitutional and
statutory provisions, including the extent to which
such governments prevented, opposed, or restricted
efforts of formerly enslaved Africans and their
descendants to repatriate to their homeland.
disproportionately and negatively affect African Americans as a group, and those that perpetuate the lingering effects, materially and psycho-social, can be eliminated. (7D) How the injuries resulting from matters described in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6) can be reversed and
(1B) SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS.—Not later than 60 days after the appointment of the Director under section 6(a), six members, who shall be individuals appointed by the Director,
(3) Study and analyze the effects of laws enacted
by the Federal Government and State governments
with discriminatory intent or discriminatory effect
on the formerly enslaved Africans and their
descendants following the overdue recognition of
such persons as United States citizens beginning
in 1868.
(4) Study and analyze the other forms of discrim-
ination in the public and private sectors against
freed African slaves and their descendants who
were belatedly accorded their rightful status as United States citizens from 1868 to the present, including redlining, educational funding discrepancies, and predatory financial practices.
(5) Study and analyze the lingering negative effects
of the institution of slavery and the matters
described in paragraphs (1) through (7) of section
2(b) on living African Americans and on society
in the United States. (6) Recommend appropriate ways to educate the
American public of the Commission’s findings to
advance racial healing, understanding, and
transformation.
(7) Recommend appropriate remedies in consideration
of the Commission’s findings on the matters described
in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6).
In making such recommendations, the Commission shall
address, among other issues, the following questions:
(7A) How such recommendations comport with international standards of remedy for wrongs and injuries caused by the State, that include full reparations and special measures, as understood by various relevant
international protocols, laws, and findings.
(7B) How the Government of the United States will offer
a formal apology on behalf of the people of the
United States for the perpetration of gross human
rights violations and crimes against humanity on
African slaves and their descendants.
provide appropriate policies, programs, projects, and recommendations for the purpose of reversing the injuries.
(7E) How, in consideration of the Commission’s findings, ny form of compensation to the descendants of enslaved Africans is calculated.
(7F) What form of compensation should be awarded, through what instrumentalities, and who should be eligible for such compensation.
(7G) How, in consideration of the Commission’s finding, what forms of satisfaction, in addition to apology, should be implemented in an effort toward return of dignity and racial healing, and reconciliation. (7H) How, in consideration of the Commission’s findings, any other forms of rehabilitation or restitution to African descendants is warranted and what the form and scope of those measures should take.
(c) Report To Congress.—The Commission shall submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to the Congress not later than the date which is 18 months after the date of the first meeting of the full Commission held pursuant to section 4(f). SEC. 4. MEMBERSHIP.
(a) Number And Appointment.—
(1) MEMBERSHIP.—The Commission shall be composed of 15 members, who shall be appointed as follows: (A) POLITICALLY APPOINTED MEMBERS.—Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act:
(i) Three members shall be appointed by the President.
(ii) Three members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, in consultation with the committee of jurisdiction of the House.
justice. (1B2) QUALIFICATIONS.—All members of the Commission shall be persons who are especially qualified to serve on the Commission by virtue of their
education, training, activism or experience, particularly in the field of African- American studies and reparatory justice.
(1B3) LIMITATION.—No person who is a member of Congress or an officer or employee of the Federal Government or any State or local government may serve as a member of the Commission.
(3b) Terms.—The term of office for members shall be for the life of the Commission. A vacancy in the Commission shall not affect the powers of the
Commission and shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.
(3c) Quorum.—Seven members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings.
(3d) Vacancies.—Any vacancy on the Commission shall—
(3d1) not affect the powers of the Commission; and
(3d2) be filled in the same manner in which the
original appointment was made.
(3de) Chair And Vice-Chair.—There shall be a Chair
and a Vice Chair of the Commission selected jointly
by the majority leader of the Senate and the Speaker
of the House of Representatives, in consultation
with the committees of jurisdiction. The term of
office of each shall be for the life of the Commission.