Laura Harding Appointed to New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies

ALBANY, NY, UNITED STATES, October 2, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Laura Harding, Esq., has been appointed as a Commissioner to the New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies (NYSCCRR), joining a nine-member panel tasked with examining the legacy of slavery and its ongoing impacts on people of African descent in New York State. The appointment was made by New York State Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie (District 83), marking a significant step in the commission’s mission to develop recommendations for reparative justice.

The NYSCCRR was established by Senate Bill S1163A and signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2023. Its mandate is to study the economic, social, and political impacts of slavery and systemic racism in New York State, and to submit a report and recommendations to the Governor and the State Legislature. Harding’s appointment brings a wealth of experience in civil rights, public education, housing justice, and community impact to the commission.

Harding is the Founder and CEO of Harding Strategies & Consulting, LLC, where she works with mission-driven organizations to build capacity, strengthen leadership, and advance measurable community impact. Her expertise includes strategic planning, fundraising, program development, and equity-centered organizational growth. Harding has supported nonprofits and other organizations in advancing fair, affordable, and inclusive housing, as well as educational equity.

An accomplished leader in civil rights and education, Harding previously served as President of ERASE Racism, a Long Island-based nonprofit dedicated to combating structural racism in housing and public education. Her public service career also includes leadership positions with District of Columbia Public Schools, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education in Washington, D.C., and the New York City Department of Education, where she worked on initiatives focused on access, inclusion, equity, youth development, and student safety.

Harding began her career as a forensic social worker with The Bronx Defenders and the Juvenile Rights Division of the Brooklyn Legal Aid Society. As an attorney, she has served as a clerk in the Queens County Supreme Court, Civil Term, and as a staff attorney with Legal Services New York, where she concentrated on tenants’ rights. She holds degrees from Adelphi University, the University of Chicago, and Howard University School of Law.

The NYSCCRR’s work is crucial in addressing historical and contemporary inequities. Harding’s experience in law, education, housing, civil rights, and organizational strategy will contribute significantly to the commission’s ongoing efforts. As the commission continues its examination of the legacy of slavery and its enduring impacts, Harding’s appointment is seen as a key milestone in the pursuit of reparative justice in New York State.