The History Of Reparations Paid In America | The Case Of Belinda Sutton
Belinda Sutton, also known as Belinda Royall, was an enslaved African woman born in Ghana in the late 18th century and brought to the British colony of Massachusetts as a child. She was owned by the Royall family, who were wealthy enslavers and prominent figures in colonial society. Belinda worked as an enslaved person for the Royall family for more than 50 years until age 60.
In 1783, Belinda petitioned the Massachusetts legislature for compensation for her years of enslavement and the labor she had provided to the Royall family. She argued that the Royals had promised her freedom and financial support in exchange for her service, but they had not fulfilled their promise. The Massachusetts legislature eventually granted Belinda a pension of 15 pounds per year, which she paid until she died in 1790.
Belinda's case was one of the earliest examples of demand for reparations in the United States. It demonstrated how enslaved people were exploited and mistreated by their owners and how they fought for compensation and recognition for their labor.
Although Belinda's case predates Special Field Order 15, issued by General William T. Sherman during the Civil War and promised to give land to formerly enslaved people in the South, it shares many of the same themes and concerns. Both cases demonstrate the legacy of slavery and its impact on African Americans and the ongoing struggle for reparations and justice.
Today, reparations are still being debated and discussed in the United States. Many advocates argue that the United States should provide reparations to African Americans to address the legacy of slavery and the ongoing effects of systemic racism. However, many critics also argue that reparations are not practical or necessary and that they would be too difficult to implement fairly.
Overall, the story of Belinda Sutton highlights the long history of African Americans fighting for recognition, compensation, and justice in the United States. It demonstrates the ongoing importance of addressing the legacy of slavery and systemic racism in American society.
Our upcoming special report will cover in detail all arguments for and against reparations and practical ways foundational black Americans living descendants of enslaved people can receive them.
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