Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a Racial Justice Commission Tuesday to address disparities highlighted by the pandemic.

He says the initiative is unlike any approach seen in New York City or any other major city in the United States.

The commission will look at ways to rid the city of racism by making policy changes and creating laws that will make an impact.

De Blasio says international models like one in South Africa and adapting it in New York City.

The mayor says he believes with a commission made up of diverse members, real change can happen.

Jennifer Jones Austin was named chair of the Racial Justice Commission. “I was taught that the only way to rid our society of racism is to dismantle the systems that enable it,” Austin says.

The commission will be able to submit laws and changes that the public will then be able to vote on.