In the wake of Governor Moore’s veto of statewide reparations commission legislation—and his affirmation of the urgency of addressing structural racial harm through tangible action—we offer these proposals as opportunities for meaningful action now.

I was deeply honored to attend the fourth session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (PFPAD) in New York City, from April 14-17, 2025. For weeks leading up to this convening, there had been online side events. Many of these events focused on the intersection of health and healing and addressing the violence against Black women and girls around the world… These preparatory programs updated participants like me with the latest knowledge about conditions impacting people of African descent globally… This was my first Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, and I was approaching it with my “beginner’s mind,” the student with everything to learn.

As the fullness of spring blossoms— bringing beauty even in these challenging times— I find myself reflecting on the persistent progress of our work here at the Braxton Institute. I think of its richness, its fervor, and its steady emergence from the shadows of history into the transformative light of repair.

For those who observe the Christian traditions of Holy Week, Good Friday invites remembrance of Jesus’ crucifixion. Some Christians mark the day with rituals contemplating the Stations of the Cross or Jesus’ seven last words; grateful devotions to honor his suffering and death as a saving sacrifice that forgives human sin. But not all Christians approach Good Friday this way. For others, such as myself and many like me, Good Friday is a day to grieve the historical reality that the Roman Empire publicly executed Jesus to terrorize his disciples and to quell uprisings of Jewish resistance.