Demand Legislation for the Descendants of the Freedmen

 

We are calling on Colorado and federal elected officials to take concrete legislative action addressing the specific historical legacy, continuing consequences, and policy needs of the descendants of the Freedmen.

 

For purposes of this petition, “descendants of the Freedmen” refers to the lineage of Black Americans descended from people enslaved in the United States and their historically documented descendants. This population is also commonly referred to as Black Americans or Foundational Black Americans.

 

We are demanding tangible policy action, not indefinite studies, symbolic acknowledgments, or promises without results.

 

OUR DEMANDS

 

1. Establish a Colorado Freedmen's Task Force

 

We call for legislation establishing a Colorado Freedmen's Task Force modeled on New York's proposed American Freedmen Task Force on Reparations Remedies. Its responsibilities should include examining historical harms, documenting present-day conditions, and developing specific recommendations for reparative policies and remedies for the descendants of the Freedmen.

 

2. Enact a Standalone Colorado Anti-Black Hate Crime Statute

 

We call on Colorado lawmakers to introduce and enact a standalone statute addressing anti-Black hate crimes. The proposed law should establish clear legal standards, meaningful accountability, appropriate enforcement mechanisms, transparent reporting, and support for affected victims and communities.

 

Existing hate-crime laws have not eliminated the concerns that motivate this demand. We are calling for a distinct legislative initiative that directly addresses anti-Black hate and the need for effective protection.

 

3. Pursue Federal Reparative Legislation for the Descendants of the Freedmen

 

We call on the United States Congress to establish a federal process for examining the historical and continuing consequences of slavery and subsequent discrimination against the descendants of the Freedmen, developing lineage-specific reparative recommendations, and advancing appropriate legislation.

 

4. Enact Standalone Federal Anti-Black Hate Crime Legislation

 

We call on Congress to consider and advance standalone federal legislation specifically addressing anti-Black hate crimes, with clearly defined protections, enforcement provisions, reporting requirements, and accountability mechanisms. The legislation should be carefully drafted to work within constitutional requirements and alongside existing civil-rights protections.

 

5. Require Public Accountability From Elected Officials

 

We call on every relevant elected official to publicly address these demands, explain their position, identify the actions within their authority, and communicate concrete next steps. Constituents deserve transparency about whether their representatives will support, introduce, sponsor, advance, or oppose these proposals.

 

WHY WE ARE SIGNING

 

The descendants of the Freedmen have a distinct historical lineage and specific policy concerns that deserve direct consideration in the legislative process.

 

Our demands concern reparative justice, public safety, historical accountability, and meaningful legal protections. We are calling for action at both the Colorado and federal levels.

 

This petition is directed to the governor, state legislators, members of Congress, and all other relevant elected officials with authority to advance these proposals.

 

We call for tangible legislation, transparent processes, and measurable action.

 

Sign this petition to support legislation and policies addressing the specific concerns of the descendants of the Freedmen.