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What is the American Freedmen Commission?
The American Freedmen Commission (AFC) is a City of Cambridge commission established to investigate and address the historic, systemic, and ongoing harms experienced by Cantabrigians who are descendants of enslaved people. The Commission’s work is grounded in a framework of transitional justice and focuses on truth-telling, public education, community engagement, and the identification of appropriate reparations.
Where can I find the ordinance that created the American Freedmen Commission?
The American Freedmen Commission was established by ordinance in December 2023 and is codified as Chapter 2.131 of the Cambridge Municipal Code. The Ordinance was signed unanimously by the Cambridge City Council, including Burhan Azeem, Dennis J. Carlone, Alanna Mallon, Marc C. McGovern, Patricia Nolan, E. Denise Simmons, Paul F. Toner, Quinton Zondervan, Sumbul Siddiqui.
How did the American Freedmen Commission come about?
The Commission was created following sustained advocacy by community members and descendants of enslaved people in Cambridge. Saskia Vann-James, a resident of the City of Cambridge, served as the primary advocate and lead thinker behind the ordinance in partnership with Councilors E. Denise Simmons and Quinton Zondervan convened community discussions to gather input. Prior to the passage of the ordinance, the City reviewed reparations initiatives in other municipalities, including Boston, Evanston, and San Francisco, and re-engaged Harvard University’s Legacy of Slavery Initiative to explore research collaboration. Planning of the Commission involved the Councilors Denise E. Simmons and Ayesha Wilson, City Manager Yi-An Huang, and Deidre Travis Brown, Chief of the Office of Equity and Inclusion.
When was the ordinance passed, and when did the Commission begin?
The ordinance establishing the American Freedmen Commission was passed by the Cambridge City Council in December 2023. The Commission officially began operations on June 23, 2025, when the City Council appointed twelve inaugural commissioners.
Why is the American Freedmen Commission necessary?
The Commission was created in recognition of the historic and ongoing harms caused by enslavement, racism, and related injustices that were perpetrated or reinforced by federal, state, and local governments. The AFC will provide a formal structure for investigating these harms and developing recommendations for reparations and transitional justice specific to Cambridge residents.
What is the Commission’s charge?
The American Freedmen Commission is responsible for investigating and reporting on historical, systemic, and ongoing harms committed against American Freedmen by the federal government, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the City of Cambridge. The Commission will recommend adequate, effective, and prompt reparations; increase public awareness of its work; develop community engagement strategies to support the ordinance's outcomes; collaborate with community organizations; and undertake additional work, as agreed upon with the City Manager or their designees.
How often does the Commission meet?
The American Freedmen Commission meets once a month, currently on the third Tuesday of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Meetings have been held at City Hall’s Ackerman Room, the Office of Equity and Inclusion. Meetings are open to the public and include opportunities for public comments and testimony.
How is the Commission structured within the city government?
The American Freedmen Commission is considered a department of the City of Cambridge within the Equity and Inclusion Department. The Executive Director of the Commission will serve as the Department Head and report to the Chief of Equity and Inclusion. The Equity and Inclusion Department (EID) serves as the City’s central leader in advancing a workplace and community grounded in antiracism, equity, inclusion, and social justice, ensuring these principles are embedded in municipal policies, organizational culture, and interpersonal practices across all levels of City government. The Equity and Inclusion Department works in close collaboration with employees, departments, residents, businesses, and visitors to identify and dismantle systemic inequities, remove structural
and procedural barriers, broaden access to opportunities and resources, and strengthen meaningful representation—particularly for historically marginalized individuals and communities.
Who are the American Freedmen Commissioners?
Twelve commissioners were appointed in June 2025 following a public application and interview process conducted by City staff. Commissioners serve staggered one-, two-, and three-year terms to ensure continuity of leadership.
How were the American Freedmen Commissioners selected?
The City Manager's Office issued a public call for applications to launch this important work on March 1, 2025, with a closing date of April 7, 2025. The announcement was shared through the city website, a news release, daily email updates, and other public postings. A total of 34 applications were received. After a thorough review and interview process led by a panel of City staff, 12 individuals were recommended for appointment in June 2025.
How can the public stay informed about the Commission’s work?
Community members can stay informed through the Commission’s website, monthly public meetings, posted agendas, and minutes. The Commission also plans to participate in community events, host update forums, and plan outreach and educational programming.
How can I get involved or support the Commission’s work?
Members of the public are encouraged to attend Commission meetings in person or online, provide public comment, and participate in community engagement activities. Residents may also support the work by volunteering with local organizations engaged in oral history, Black history, and community education, and by staying connected through the Commission’s website and email list. In the meantime, here are several local nonprofits you can volunteer with:
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