On April 14, 2021, the House Judiciary Committee voted for the first time ever to recommend the creation of a commission to consider providing Black Americans for reparations for slavery in the United States. The bill was first introduced by Michigan Congressman John Conyers more than 30 years ago, and then, after he retired, by Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. We now must make sure that the bill gets a vote before the full House and Senate. We have the opportunity right now to help get H.R. 40 passed, and we need every voice possible. Here’s how you can help:

• Send a letter to your Members of Congress right now, telling them that you support H.R. 40, the bill establishing a Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African-Americans, and asking your Senator and Representative to support the bill in a full Senate and House vote.

• Use this form — it will take less than 60 seconds.

• Just enter your information and click “start writing,” we’ve already prepared the letter for you.

• After your first representative's name appears, click the drop down for "Your Letter Topic" and select "Judiciary," "Civil Rights," "Other," or whatever seems to fit best. Do the same for each Senator as well.

• Once you click “Send letter,” you’re done!  

Thank you so much for being involved! It’s easy to share this link with others - please do. We need every voice.

If you are looking to learn more about the racial wealth gap and steps you can take to address it, check out A Letter to My White Friends and Colleagues by Steven S. Rogers.