There is a case for reparations. Many cases for reparations. If it were only slavery, it would be enough. If it were slavery and the abandonment of reconstruction, it would be enough. If it were slavery, the abandonment of reconstruction, and Jim Crow it would be enough. If it were slavery, the abandonment of reconstruction, Jim Crow, and lynching it would be enough. If it were slavery, the abandonment of reconstruction, Jim Crow, lynching and red lining it would be enough.
Before we talk about reparations, let’s make sure that every black kid can feel safe and is, in fact, safe: buying a toy gun in a store, walking home in the dark wearing a hoodie, driving a car at night on a road he does not know, walking in a neighborhood that is predominantly white, walking in his own neighborhood, being a good Samaritan in the face of danger in a mall or outside a bar.
Before we talk about reparations, let’s make sure that Fair Housing Laws exist where they don’t and are enforced where they do. Make sure banks lend money on the same basis to blacks and whites. Make sure it is as easy to get a job interview for LaToya as for Louise.
There is work to be done regarding schooling. There is work to be done regarding to the application of the criminal justice system. Too many jurisdictions still use predatory fines for blacks as a way to float the system. There is work to do on voting. Gerrymandering reduces the likelihood of one or more black Member of Congress in several states; reduces the likelihood of many state reps and state senators throughout the country.
Create a society that treats blacks and whites equally. A society that, at least, comes least close to treating blacks and whites equally.
Lets talk about reparations.