Reparative Study for Washington Descendants

In 2025, The Washington State Legislature funded the Charles Mitchell and George Washington Bush Study on Reparative Action for Washington State’s Descendants of Victims of United States Chattel Slavery.

The study will examine the historical injustices of slavery in the U.S. and its enduring impact on direct descendants.

Study update

• Commerce has executed a contract with Truclusion, the highest scoring applicant from a competitive RFP process.
• Truclusion’s research team includes academic experts, a genealogist with reparations experience and team members with lived experience as descendants of U.S. chattel slavery.
• The research phase is underway. This includes background research, early engagement and coordination with community-based organizations statewide.
• Community voices are essential. Organizations and individuals can get involved by filling out the Community Interest Form or attending a community information session.
  • Learn more about Truclusion’s community information sessions

Background information

• Consultation: Commerce consults with the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs. Past meetings, future meeting recordings and agendas are available on their webpage.
• Funding: In collaboration with the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs, the legislature allocated funding to contract with a qualified research firm or team during the 2026-2027 biennium.
• Contract management: Commerce’s role is to manage the contract with Truclusion, the study’s research team. Contact Michelle Griffin if you have questions or concerns about contract management.
• Researcher team requirements: The research team was required to have expertise in topics including reparations, historical analysis, public policy and economic valuation. The team includes a Ph.D. level researcher and an experienced genealogist.
• Study focus: The study will examine the history and impact of slavery in the U.S., with a focus on the geography of the former Washington and Oregon territories. It will analyze how state laws and systems have affected descendants in economics, education and criminal justice.
• Framework and methodology: The study will use the Healthy People 2030 social determinants of health model to evaluate disparities and make policy recommendations.
• Community engagement is overseen by Truclusion. Information on upcoming events and meetings on study progress is available on their webpage. If you or your organization is interested in connecting with the Reparations research team contact Ariel Davis.
• Study deliverables: The study must propose reparative measures such as cash payments, policy reforms, state-level investments and recommendations for reforming harmful laws. All recommendations will be supported by cost-benefit analyses.
• Study deadlines: The researcher must submit a preliminary report by June 2026 and an interim update by December 2026. A final report with recommendations will be due by June 2027.

Past information sessions

• Watch Truclusion’s Reparations study informational session from March 13, 2026 (on TVW)
• Watch Truclusion’s Reparations study informational session from April 10, 2026 (on TVW)
• Watch Truclusion’s Reparations study informational session from May 8, 2026 (on TVW)

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