In 2024, the City of Boston, through the Equity and Inclusion Cabinet, executed a contract with researchers from Tufts University to produce a report documenting the City of Boston’s role in historical ties to the African slave trade from 1620 to 1940. That research was meant to support the Task Force in completing Phase 1 of its work under Section 15-13 of the City Code. The Task Force was not a party to the contract, but its leadership has been informed throughout of any developments.

Unfortunately, the report that was meant to be produced by Tufts was never finalized nor completed in a manner such that the City could rely on its content. After much discussion between City officials and Tufts leadership, the City and Tufts made the reluctant decision to end the contract, and all funds paid to Tufts have been returned. As Tufts was unable to deliver a product that meets the standards both the City and the University expect and the subject matter deserves, those materials will not be used to inform the Task Force’s work. 

The City will reinvest the returned funds into the community and work to ensure that any future research partners are up to the important task at hand. Any future use of these funds, and any future research contracts connected to this work, will follow applicable procurement laws and procedures. 

In addition to the Tufts contract, the City also executed a contract with researchers from Northeastern University to study the same topic from 1940 to the present. This draft Northeastern report is complete and is currently under review by the Task Force in order to inform next steps, which will include further community engagement, further meetings of the Task Force, and policy recommendations. As always, the City recognizes the historical weight of this effort and the importance of building trust with our residents through an open and inclusive process. We remain committed to supporting the Task Force in carrying out its mandate, thoughtfully and responsibly.

H.R.40 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

This bill establishes the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans. The commission examines slavery and discrimination in the colonies and the United States from 1619 to the present. It also recommends appropriate remedies. The commission identifies:

1. the role of the federal and state governments in supporting the institution of slavery
2. forms of discrimination in the public and private sectors against freed slaves and their descendants, and
3. lingering negative effects of slavery on living African Americans and society.

Read the full bill