Illinois Reparations Commission Releases Landmark Report on Racial Harm

The report identifies nine categories of historic and ongoing inequities faced by Black Illinoisans.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Illinois African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission has released a first-of-its-kind report titled 'Taking Account: A History of Racial Harm & Injustice Against Black Illinoisans.' The report documents the effects of slavery and its aftermath on Black Illinoisans, identifying nine key areas of harm and disparities that will guide the commission's recommendations to the state legislature.

Why it matters

The report represents a significant step towards acknowledging and addressing the legacy of slavery and systemic racism in Illinois. By grounding their work in historical evidence and the lived experiences of impacted communities, the commission aims to lay the foundation for informed and meaningful reparative action.

The details

The report covers nine categories of harm and continuing disparities faced by Black Illinoisans, including enslavement and servitude, racial terror and political disenfranchisement, stolen economic labor, discriminatory policing and legal practices, housing segregation, educational inequities, family separation policies, economic exclusion, and disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.

  • The Illinois African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission released the report on February 27, 2026.

The players

Illinois African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission

A state-appointed commission created to research Illinois' historical involvement in slavery and its enduring impact, and to develop legislative recommendations to promote restoration and reparative justice.

Marvin Slaughter Jr.

The chair of the Illinois African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission.

University of Illinois Chicago's Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy

The institute that partnered with the commission to produce the report.

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What they’re saying

“Confronting the truth of our state's history is a necessary first step toward building a more equitable future. By grounding our work in historical evidence and the lived experiences of those who have experienced harm, we are laying the foundation for informed and meaningful reparative action.”

— Marvin Slaughter Jr., Chair, Illinois African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission

What’s next

The commission will use the report's findings to develop legislative recommendations for the Illinois General Assembly to promote restoration and reparative justice.

The takeaway

This landmark report represents a crucial step towards acknowledging and addressing the long-lasting impacts of slavery and systemic racism in Illinois. By documenting the harms and disparities faced by Black Illinoisans, the commission aims to lay the groundwork for meaningful reparative action and a more equitable future.