Illinois State Representative Andre Thapedi has filed a resolution that some have called a call for reparations for Illinois residents of African Descendant from the State of Illinois. The resolution would require Governor Pritzker to establish an Equitable Economic Land Use Plan of 2020.

The first slaves of African descent were brought to Illinois by the French in 1720. Ever since their arrival their access to equitable living standards has been legislatively restricted.

"Because of a plethora of laws including; Slave Codes, Black Codes, Jim Crow, Redlining, and Banking, and many others — the housing stock in the Black community is generally less than optimal, and in many cases, deplorable," according to Illinois State Representative Andre Thapedi.

The resolution filing came on the day that marks the freedom of those who had been slaves in the United States, the anniversary of the "official" freedom from slavery for African descendants nationwide, known as Juneteenth.

"Today, I filed HR 866, designed to provide the constitutionally required evidence to create an innovative land use development plan for the Black community. To pass constitutional muster, the plan must be narrowly tailored to drastically improve the housing conditions of people of Illinois," said State Representative Andre Thapedi.

The Equitable Economic Land Use Plan of 2020 calls for the following to be established:

For Governor Pritzker to immediately act to shape a narrowly tailored approach to drastically improve the living conditions and communities of the housing stock, communities, and conditions of and for people of African descent residing in the State of Illinois.

Those plans declaration include the following:

1. Invoking the principles of the Equitable Economic Land Use Plan of 2020 with all deliberate speed.

2. Declares that funding should be directed toward low-income communities in Illinois for infrastructure, housing, and other economic development and that the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure and the Mortgage Act should be reformed, and

3. To further fund existing housing programs that will assist people of African descent in the facilitation of the Equitable Economic Land Use Plan of 2020.

4. Declares that Menard Correctional Center should revert back to its original name, Southern Illinois Penitentiary because Mr. Menard was a slave owner himself.

"The goal is to secure a multi-billion dollar deal where Black people are able to purchase homes, businesses, and small industrial businesses in a vitalized (not a "revitalized"), green, and sustainable community," said State Rep. Thapedi.

State Representative Thapedi plans to structure the deal over 20 years with a Task Force being appointed in the 5th year, which should be established in 2025.