Reparations for Black American Descendants of U.S. Slavery Part 4: Who Is Paying For Reparations?

 

The topic of reparations for Black American descendants of U.S. slavery involves complex economic, social, and political considerations. In addressing the question "Who is Paying Reparations?" several perspectives emerge, each with unique implications and challenges.

Local Governments and Institutions Initiatives

 

 

Local governments and institutions in the United States have taken steps to address the legacy of slavery and racial injustice. For example, in Evanston, Illinois, a reparations program funded by marijuana tax revenue is designed to address historical housing discrimination against African Americans. According to Darity and Mullen (2020), this program is one of the first of its kind at the municipal level and provides a practical model for local reparations efforts. However, critics argue that such localized initiatives, while symbolic, may not sufficiently address the broader systemic issues stemming from slavery and its aftermath.

Private Organizations and Universities

 

Beyond governmental efforts, private entities such as universities and corporations are also exploring reparations. Recent scholarship by Brophy (2019) highlights the role of universities in addressing their historical ties to slavery. 

 

For instance, Georgetown University created a reparations fund to benefit the descendants of slaves sold by the university. This approach, while groundbreaking, raises questions about the scalability and adequacy of reparations funded by private institutions. Furthermore, as Craemer (2019) points out, the involvement of private organizations in reparations can lead to a fragmented approach that may need more uniformity and comprehensive reach.

Federal Government and Legislative Proposals

 

 

There have been legislative proposals to study and develop reparation plans at the federal level. H.R. 40, a bill repeatedly introduced in Congress, aims to establish a commission to review reparations proposals for African Americans. As noted by Francis (2021), this bill symbolizes a growing recognition of the federal government's role in addressing historical injustices. However, implementing national reparations faces significant political and logistical challenges, including determining eligibility criteria and funding sources.

Conclusion

 

The reparations landscape is multifaceted, with efforts ranging from local government initiatives to private institutional programs and federal legislative proposals. Each approach has its merits and limitations, reflecting the complexity of addressing a legacy of slavery that spans centuries and affects millions of lives. While local and private initiatives offer immediate and tangible benefits, they may need to improve in addressing systemic inequalities. On the other hand, though potentially more comprehensive, federal efforts need to gain political traction and define the scope of reparations.

Ultimately, the pursuit of reparations for Black American descendants of U.S. slavery requires a concerted effort that combines local, private, and federal initiatives. Such an approach would symbolize a collective acknowledgment of historical injustices and provide a practical pathway toward redress and healing.

References (APA 7th Edition)

Brophy, A. L. (2019). University, Court, and Slave: Pro-Slavery Thought in Southern Colleges and Courts and the Coming of Civil War. Oxford University Press. https://global.oup.com/academic/product/university-court-and-slave-9780190933760?cc=us&lang=en&

 

Craemer, T. (2019). Estimating Slavery Reparations: Present Value Comparisons of Historical Multigenerational Reparations Policies. Social Science Quarterly, 100(3), 639-655.           https://www.researchgate.net/publication

Darity, W. A., & Mullen, A. K. (2020). From Here to Equality: Reparations for Black Americans in the Twenty-First Century. University of North Carolina Press. https://uncpress.org/book/9781469671208/from-here-to-equality-second-edition/

                       Georgetown reflects on slavery, memory, and reconciliation - Georgetown University. (2023, April 19).        Georgetown University. https://www.georgetown.edu/slavery/

 

Francis, M. L. (2021). The Price of Civil Rights: Black Lives, White Funding, and Movement Capture. Law & Society Review, 55(2), 323-357. https://racism.org/articles/law-and-justice/38-law-policies-and-race/2592-the-price-of-civil-rights-black-lives