New York reparations commission schedules public meetings in Rochester and New Rochelle

The New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies will hold public business meetings Aug. 14 in Rochester and New Rochelle. The sessions will include updates on the commission’s work, with livestreaming available and written or audio testimony still accepted through the commission’s public channels.

Why it matters: - The New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies is moving its work into two public venues as it continues statewide study of slavery and systemic racism in New York. - The meetings give residents a chance to observe the commission’s internal decision-making and hear updates on reparative justice planning. - The commission is also keeping public participation open through livestreams, recordings and testimony submissions.

What happened: - The New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies will hold public business meetings on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Rochester and New Rochelle. - The Rochester meeting will take place at Connected Communities Neighborhood Hub, Auditorium, 616 North Goodman St., Rochester, NY 14609. - The New Rochelle meeting will take place at The Lincoln Park Conservancy’s History & Culture Center, 389 Huguenot St., New Rochelle, NY 10801. - The meetings run from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. - The meetings are open to the public, and community members may attend and observe.

The details: - The agenda includes updates on the commission’s ongoing work, communications strategy, community outreach and next steps in advancing reparative justice across New York State. - Commissioners will be available for questions and conversation after the formal meeting. - The primary focus of the business meetings is internal commission work, including discussion, planning, decision-making and voting on resolutions when needed. - A quorum of at least five commissioners is required for votes. - Public comment may be limited to a short period at the end of the meeting because the sessions are devoted mainly to commission business. - The meetings will be livestreamed, and video recordings will be posted later on the commission’s website. - Parking will be available onsite and on nearby streets at both locations. - A streaming link will be available at More information.

Between the lines: - The commission is using the meetings to balance two goals at once: conduct internal work efficiently and keep the public engaged. - Moving meetings to Rochester and New Rochelle broadens geographic access beyond Albany and signals a statewide outreach effort. - The invitation for written or audio testimony suggests the commission still wants public input even when live speaking time is limited.

What's next: - Additional public hearings and business meetings are scheduled throughout 2026. - Community members can submit written or audio testimony by email at ReparationsCommission@reparations.ny.gov or by voicemail at 518-473-3997. - More information, past hearing materials and commission updates are available at the NYSCCRR website. - Commission updates are also posted on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

The bottom line: - The August meetings are both a working session and a public checkpoint for New York’s reparations commission as it continues statewide research and outreach.