To the Honorable Mayor, Equality and Inclusion Cabinet of Boston, Massachusetts,

We, the undersigned Descendants of Enslaved People in the US (American Freedmen)and concerned residents of Boston, Massachusetts, hereby petition for a reevaluation and expansion of the research underpinning the city's commitment to reparations. We believe that the current reliance on studies concluding on June 25 such as those conducted by Tufts and Northeastern Universities, falls significantly short of fulfilling the mandate for a comprehensive report as outlined in the original Ordinance for reparations. We're requesting an investigation on the $500K contracts, for inadequate performance and non-compliance.

The Ordinance clearly calls for a complete study, encompassing "all or nearly all elements or aspects" of the harm inflicted upon enslaved people and their descendants, as well as the ongoing repercussions of slavery in our city. The limitation of the existing research done by Tufts University on a pre-1940 timeline fundamentally neglects the lived experiences and enduring trauma of subsequent generations

As descendants born after 1940, including individuals born in the latter half of the 20th century and beyond, we feel profoundly excluded by this arbitrary cutoff. The pain, both tangible and intangible, stemming from the legacy of slavery has not vanished with time. Our mothers, fathers, grandparents, and we ourselves have navigated systems and societal structures deeply rooted in the historical injustices of slavery. To limit the scope of research to a period ending over eight decades ago is to erase our lived realities and diminish the intergenerational trauma and impact of this horrific institution slavery.

A truly comprehensive report must:

Extend its timeline to the present day: To accurately capture the ongoing economic disparities, systemic inequalities, psychological burdens, and emotional wounds experienced by descendants of slaves in contemporary Boston.

Include the experiences of all generations: Recognizing that the trauma and its effects have been passed down through families, impacting individuals born long after slavery was formally abolished.

Thoroughly investigate the lasting impact on various aspects of life: Including but not limited to housing, education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and the justice system.

Engage directly with descendant communities: Ensuring that the research process is inclusive and reflects the lived experiences and perspectives of those most directly affected.

We do not feel like the current research presented by Tufts or Northeastern Universities provides a complete comprehensive picture and therefore cannot serve as a sufficient foundation for meaningful and impactful reparations. We urge the City of Boston to commission further, more comprehensive research that truly honors the spirit and intent of the original Ordinance. This expanded study must acknowledge the ongoing harm and include the experiences of all descendants of slaves in the US, who lived in Boston regardless of their birth year.

By undertaking a truly comprehensive study, the City of Boston can take a significant step towards acknowledging the full scope of the injustices of slavery and its enduring legacy, paving the way for meaningful reparations that address the needs of all affected descendants. 

We, the undersigned, urge the Mayor and Equity Inclusion Cabinet of Boston to take immediate action to commission a comprehensive reparations study that extends to the present day by June 30, 2025. This must include the voices of the harmed parties and lived experiences of the descendants of enslaved people. The community feels there has been a concerted effort to shut our voices down, and minimize our overall input.

Community Factor