To:
The Board of County Commissioners
Cape May County, New Jersey

We, the undersigned residents and concerned citizens of Cape May County, respectfully petition the Board of County Commissioners to introduce and adopt the Cape May County Foundational Black American Reparations Act.

 
WHEREAS:
The institution of slavery was legally recognized in New Jersey until gradual abolition laws phased it out in the 19th century, and its economic benefits contributed to local and state development;
Descendants of persons enslaved within the territorial United States continue to experience measurable disparities in:

Household wealth;
Homeownership rates;
Business ownership;
Educational access;
Cape May County has the authority under N.J.S.A. 40:20-1 et seq. to enact ordinances addressing civil rights and community welfare;
The New Jersey Constitution guarantees equal protection under the law;
The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.) authorizes remedial governmental action to address inequities;
The proposed Act establishes a narrowly tailored, lineage-based program to address documented historical harm;
 
THEREFORE, WE PETITION THAT:
The Board of County Commissioners:

Introduce the Cape May County Foundational Black American Reparations Act;
Establish a Reparations Fund;
Create a Reparations Review Board;
Conduct a public hearing to allow residents to voice support or concerns;
Commission a formal historical and economic impact study documenting local participation in slavery and post-emancipation discrimination.
 
COMMUNITY DECLARATION
We affirm that:

The proposed legislation is grounded in lawful authority;
The program is voluntary and lineage-based;
The purpose is remedial, not exclusionary;
Addressing historical economic harm strengthens the entire Cape May County community.
 
SIGNATURE PAGE
By signing below, I affirm that:

I am a resident of Cape May County or a concerned New Jersey citizen;
I support introduction and consideration of the Cape May County Foundational Black American Reparations Act.

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