Could We Please Talk about Reparations?

I read an article from the Atlantic from Mr. Coates. He goes into great depth about a guy named Clyde Ross and the history of this family until section Four. Then, section four addresses different families facing similar problems within their generation. Two men over at the National Review and the Daily Beast contradicted nearly every point.

Then I read another side article at the bottom of the Daily Beast article. It spoke about how we need stronger black leaders in our community. It referred to hatred among different communities and how the leaders within those communities stood by each other. But the article stated, “Have you noticed when that we (African-Americans) don’t have anyone to stand up for us when stuff goes down,”

I stand with everyone.

I stand with Mr. Coates because African-Americans should have reparations. Still, I believe that the two men are also suitable. Who are our leaders, who will stand by us, and who will have the knowledge to answer all the tough questions about where we stand in the matter of reparations?

I believe in the reparation side. And from a college student’s perspective, here are some reasons behind it.

I noticed in all the articles that no one has pointed out a plan for this money. I am no business major, but after reading a bit more about how Germany handled Jewish survivors, I have some idea. They paid the people who were victims of any kind. Now let’s say we live in a perfect world; how would African-Americans be given reparations, especially since most-if not-who went through slavery have passed?

In a perfect world, governments would give the money to those of slave descendants. And they are to do with the money, as they choose. But we don’t live in a perfect world, so what would the real plan be?

My suggestions are as follows:

These ideas have many ups and downs, and most discussions are in the three articles.

The first idea is the least plausible because DNA tests aren’t accurate. It’s mentioned in the “against reparations articles” that having all African-Americans take tests to determine their slave descendant percentage is “useless and foolish,.” It could alienate/misplace some African-Americans

Is it possible?

It is possible, but that’s a lot of testing to do. There aren’t enough labs in the world to maintain all the DNA, and you have to get over 120 countries to agree to have people swapped.No t everyone would be able to go through with idea one. Plus, there’s the financial aspect to discuss; how are people supposed to pay when most black households are below the poverty line?

The second idea is a tad bit more reasonable because all the countries have to agree on one plan together. It would be like any other organization (WHO, United Nations, etc.), except the one main goal is to collect money from the countries involved in slavery.

The organization can make some money for improvement projects, rebuilding communities, college scholarships, grants, etc. However, the major disadvantage of this is that you need people you can trust to run this NGO, and people aren’t perfect, but it’s needed. We also need a system to determine how much we issue people.

Based on the descendant percentage we could give, that could lead to another wealth gap. We could issue based on need, but everyone’s needs are different and change constantly. We could set an amount, like a grant, but what if it isn’t enough?

So is it complicated?

Yes, but these ideas could work, so they need steps and goals for them to manifest appropriately.

The last idea might be the best, especially here in North America. The government issues reparations to the NAACP (National Association for the Advantage of Colored People). The first batch of checks will expand international headquarters to all seven continents; we can collect from the countries or continent as a whole.

It seems the most plausible since we have chapters here through the United States. And since the NAACP is renowned, countries would jump at the opportunity to allow a group such as a nonprofit financial wellness institution.

But there are still countries under siege by war and government tyranny. It would be challenging to have NAACP branches there. Still, we can put them in more minor war-bound areas, allow officers to travel to those areas, and represent the citizens for that place (similar to the duties of an ambassador). This process will take a lot of time, money, and cooperation, which the countries are ready for whenever a threat hits. But not when it comes to accepting history, which will be the biggest challenge.

After WWII, individuals that suffered received reparations. But unfortunately, African Americans continue to suffer and have yet to be met with anything. If there is no equity, we can’t have similar opportunities, access the same luxuries our counterparts do.

To conclude, the path to reparations is still a fuzzy one. Still, in time there will be a solution for everyone’s benefit. Until that day, the least we can do the best we can do for African-Americans communities is continue to ask what we need.