City buildings lit up for Juneteenth (photo: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office)

Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when Black Americans who had been enslaved in Texas finally received word that President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring them free two years earlier on January 1, 1863. 

It’s easy to imagine the hopes and dreams, long held within, that finally were released into the universe, and the disappointment that surely followed when Black Americans realized that freedom

Supporters promote racial justice ballot measures (photo: Emil Cohen/NYC Council Media Unit)

New York City voters approved three ballot measures meant to alleviate impacts of structural racism on New Yorkers of color and create a more equal city through equitable city services.

Questions 2 through 4 on the city ballot were proposed amendments to the City Charter to add a preamble recognizing the impact of racist institutions past and present and establish a new statement of principles; create an Office of Racial Equity required to spearhead the development of a racial equity plan; and

Out to vote (photo: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office)

As the ballots turn this fall, New York City voters will decide the fates of three proposed amendments to the City Charter intended to lay the groundwork for greater racial equity.

Voters throughout the five boroughs are able to flip their ballots and vote "yes" or "no" on three separate questions to, respectively, codify a statement of equity and racial justice principles as a new preamble to the City Charter; establish a city government office dedicated to racial equity and require a regularly-updated racial justice plan from city

Racial justice bills set to be signed by the mayor (photo: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office)

October 13, 2022 - Max Politics Podcast: Racial Justice Proposals on the New York City Ballot

New York City voters can approve or disapprove three proposed City Charter amendments on the 2022 general election ballot. Questions 2-4 on the ballot for city voters (Question 1 is on the statewide Environmental Bond Act) are proposals from the

Voting (Photo: Michael Appleton/Mayor's office)

This fall, New York City voters will have the chance to weigh in on four ballot questions that could add new racial justice measures to the City Charter and enable major investments in climate action.

In addition to the general election contests for Congress, Governor, and the State Legislature, the fall ballot will include three proposed amendments to the City Charter drafted last year by former Mayor Bill de Blasio's Racial Justice Commission, and a $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act passed by the state