Calling for a Cause Posted On Activists hold a phone banking session in support of HR 40, The Commission to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans Act. By GWEN MURANAKA, Rafu Senior Editor Japanese American activists gathered virtually last week in support of HR 40 – The Commission to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans Act. In April, the House Judiciary Committee approved the bill, first introduced in 1989 by Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), which would establish a 13-member commission to “examine slavery and discrimination in the colonies and the United States from 1619 to the present.” In February, Kathy Masaoka testified before a House subcommittee in support of HR 40. She was among the activists on this month’s call, which was moderated by traci kato kiriyama.