Harper Introduces Slavery Disclosure and Redress Bill

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is calling for a new focus on the generational effects of slavery that still impact people today by introducing legislation that calls for slavery disclosure and economic redress among corporations and institutions. 

“Although slavery ended in 1865, descendants of enslaved people endure systematic racism and discrimination in their daily lives,” Harper said. “Those who benefitted from the enslavement of others passed down generational wealth that endures to this day, while the enslaved people could only pass down the struggle against Jim Crow and systemic racism. This sad reality hinders them from building economic and political power, while individuals that established an inheritance based off of the enslavement of others still benefit and it is past time that we address it.” 

Harper introduced House Bill 1227, which would require businesses applying for state contracts to disclose any historic involvement in the holding of enslaved people. If they were, they must disclose that information and create a statement of financial redress, in hopes that descendants of enslaved people receive their share of reparations for the suffering their family members endured during slavery. 

“I know that this act does not make up for the years of devastation, kidnapping, bondage, violence, and repression caused by slavery and racial discrimination,” Harper said. “It is the first step in repairing the damage and giving the black community a sense of hope for the steps ahead.”