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15-12.3   Responsibilities and Authorities of the Task Force.
   (A)   The primary responsibilities of the Task Force are to determine the scope of illiteracy in Boston as well as to create an actionable and coordinated plan that both boosts literacy rates amongst adults and children as well as finds ways for the city to make it easier for people who cannot read or write in any language to access education and city services. In the course of their work, the Task Force may deem it necessary to, among other things: determine the number of people in the city who cannot read or write in any language based on demographics; make necessary distinctions between individuals with little-to-no literacy versus individuals with some literacy capability; identify clear deliverables and goals for boosting literacy rates in Boston; conduct a cost analysis of providing the necessary resources to improve the accessibility of education and city services as well as to boost literacy rates; and generate a comprehensive and actionable plan that would sufficiently address the goals identified in Subsection 15-12.1.
   (B)   The Task Force shall prepare annual progress reports on the status of their work along with any necessary materials to the City Clerk, and the Clerk shall forward the report to the Mayor of the city and shall docket the report and include the docket on the agenda of the next-occurring meeting of the Boston City Council. The Task Force may be called in to testify and to update the Boston City Council on the progress of the Task Force.
(CBC 1985 15-12.3; Ord. 2021 c. 18 § 1)
15-12.4   Severability.
   The provisions of this Section are severable, and if any provision, or portion thereof, should be held to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality or invalidity will not affect the remaining provisions, which will remain in full force and effect.
(CBC 1985 15-12.4; Ord. 2021 c. 18 § 1)
15-13   CREATION OF TASK FORCE TO ADVISE AND SUPPORT PROPOSALS FOR REPARATIONS FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE CITY.
15-13.1   Task Force Established and Purpose.
   (A)   There shall be established in the city a Task Force, to be known as the Task Force on the Study on City of Boston Reparations to the Descendants of formerly enslaved Black people.
   (B)   (1)   The Task Force’s work shall include several phases, and the Task Force shall make meaningful efforts to include community engagement with residents and community members in each phase. The city shall engage additional scholars and experts, as necessary, to support the Task Force during each phase:
         (a)   Phase 1: Research and document the city’s role in and historical ties to the African slave trade and the institution and legacies of slavery. Phase 1 shall end no later than June 30, 2023 with the issuance of a written report;
         (b)   Phase 2: Assess the city’s actions to date to address continued impacts of enslavement. Phase 2 will conclude no later than December 31, 2023 with the issuance of a written report; and
         (c)   Phase 3: Make final recommendations to the city for truth, reconciliation and reparations addressing the city’s involvement with the African slave trade. This phase shall be completed no later than June 30, 2024 with a written report.
      (2)   To support any recommendations the report shall include:
         (a)   The role Boston played in supporting the institution of slavery;
         (b)   Forms of discrimination and racism in the public and private sectors against freed slaves and their descendants;
         (c)   The persistent, systemic and lingering negative effects of slavery on Boston residents who are the descendants of African slaves; and
         (d)   Any other areas required to fulfill the purpose of the task force herein described.
      (3)   In addition, the report shall include an implementation plan for actions to begin no later than October 1, 2024. If the task force is unable to meet this timeline, they must notify the Mayor in writing requesting to extend the phases.
(CBC 1985 15-13.1; Ord. 2022 c. 12)
15-13.2   Organization.
   (A)   Membership. The Mayor shall appoint no fewer than five members, who have a connection to and understanding of the descendants of formerly enslaved Black people in the United States. The composition of the Task Force shall include but not be limited to people who belong to the following categories: community organizers, research and policy experts, community elders (defined as persons 60 years and older), a youth voice, historians or persons with historical expertise and academics or persons with academic and institutional knowledge. The Mayor shall designate a Chair from among the Task Force members. The Task Force will be an independent body and be staffed by a City Department or staff members designated by the Mayor.
   (B)   Terms. Unless determined by the Mayor, members shall serve no later than December 31, 2024. Members shall be appointed by the Mayor. Any vacancy in the Task Force shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment was made. All records of the Task Force shall be public under M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10, the commonwealth’s Public Records Law, unless an exemption under M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7 unless otherwise determined.
   (C)   Positions. Additional Task Force positions may be added as necessary by the Chair.
   (D)   Compensation. The members of the Task Force will receive stipends as determined by the Mayor commensurate with their duties and/or expenses. Any consultant engaged to support the Task Force in achieving its goals shall be compensated through the Mayor’s Office, in accordance with all city policies.
(CBC 1985 15-13.2; Ord. 2022 c. 12)
15-13.3   Duties and Responsibilities.
   The Task Force shall:
   (A)   In partnership with additional scholars and experts, research and document the city’s role in and historical ties to the slave trade and the institution and legacies of slavery;
   (B)   Assess the city’s actions to date to address continued impacts;
   (C)   Develop a community engagement process to openly and directly share the findings and information with residents and community members; and
   (D)   Collaborate with the administration and Boston City Council to recommend next steps for truth, reconciliation and reparations addressing the city’s historical involvement.
(CBC 1985 15-13.3; Ord. 2022 c. 12)