W E D N E S D A Y
July 24, 2024 Vol. 45, No. 4
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JOURNAL @oakpark
of Oak Park and River Forest
More mini-murals fill train embankment panels Page 9
Oak Park poised to offer reparations to Black residents A task force urges a mix of financial and policy-related reparations By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter
The Village of Oak Park is considering how to give reparations to Black residents in an attempt to acknowledge historical harms to the Black community and improve racial equity in the future — four years after a task force formed to study the issue. The Oak Park Reparations Task Force, formed in 2020, finished its report on such harms to the Black community that contained suggestions for amends and compensation in February 2024. They include a formal apology and a mix of financial and policy options, including purchasing the historic East Avenue home owned by the family of Oak Park chemist Percy Julian. Several members of the village board urged action. “I do want to continue to listen to the recommendations, but also make sure we keep our foot on the pedal here, and not slow down or become complacent,” Trustee Chibuike Enyia said. “There’s people that are still
It’s so Joe!
Local leaders react to President Biden’s decision to withdraw his candidacy REPORT BY ERIKA HOBBS, PAGE 17 WHITE HOUSE
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