Bill > A08819

This bill directs the commissioner of the Office of General Services (OGS) to create a memorial in Albany's Empire State Plaza commemorating the victims of slavery and celebrating human rights. Specifically, the memorial, to be called the "New York State African Slavery and Freedom Memorial", will be dedicated to remembering those impacted by the African Holocaust (also referred to as the Holocaust of Enslavement or Black Holocaust), and aims to educate the public about the history of slavery, racism, and systemic harm against Black people in New York state. The bill requires the OGS commissioner to actively seek input from organizations regarding the memorial's design, programming, and specific location within the plaza. The memorial is intended not only to honor victims but also to highlight universal values of freedom, democracy, and human rights. The act would take effect immediately upon passage, signaling the state's commitment to acknowledging and teaching about this difficult historical period.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8819