21 Ways Reparations Can Drive Economic Recovery And Expansion

In 1865, Major General William Tecumseh Sherman arranged a meeting with 20 Black ministers and President Lincoln’s Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton.

Their objective was to develop an economic plan to assist the numerous newly liberated enslaved families. These individuals had been exploited for their unpaid labor, innovative ideas, and even viewed as commodities, all of which had been essential elements in the United States' economic growth, productivity, and global influence.

Just four days following the gathering, Sherman issued Special Field Order, No. 15, which detailed the confiscation of Confederate land along the rice coast.

Subsequently, he directed the allocation of "40 acres and a mule" to thousands of Black families, a move often cited by historians as the first example of reparations to enslaved Black individuals.

However, after Lincoln's assassination on April 14, 1865, the order was overturned, and the land assigned to Black families was revoked.

A generation later, a passionate and driven Activist named Callie House emerged. In 1898, she played a key role in founding the National Ex-Slave Mutual Relief, Bounty, and Pension Association. Initially serving as its secretary, the organization's primary mission was to seek financial compensation to address the injustices of slavery.

Eventually, Callie House assumed leadership of the organization. Traveling extensively throughout the South, she advocated for reparations in every former slave state.

From 1897 to 1899, her advocacy efforts led to a remarkable increase in the association's membership, which soared to 34,000 members primarily due to her leadership. By 1900, the association's nationwide membership was estimated at around 300,000 individuals and growing.

Tragically, she was wrongly convicted and incriminated by the U.S. government in 1917, without any evidence. She received a felony charge and was sentenced to a year in prison, severely hampering her progress and sabotaging the movement.

Nearly seventy-two years later, on the anniversary of Lincoln’s assassination, the House Judiciary Committee green-lit a bill aimed at establishing a commission on slavery reparations.

Dubbed H.R. 40, the bill drew its name from the historic phrase “40 acres and a mule.” Initially presented in Congress in 1989 by Representative John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.), originally H.R. 3745 followed the enactment of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988.

This earlier legislation provided reparations to Japanese-Americans who had been forcibly interned in camps during World War II under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration.

In 2020, Assembly Bill 3121 (AB 3121) was signed into law, setting up a Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans in California. One of many of its purposes was to investigate the economic impact of long-standing racial discrimination, targeted attacks of violence and centuries of exclusion from societal engagement. All factors, which have led to substantial economic, educational, and health inequalities, particularly affecting African Americans and their enslaved ancestors.

On June 29, 2023, the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans, spearheaded by Kamilah Moore, Chair of the California Reparations Task Force—published extensive research in a public report recommending appropriate remedies, including compensation, rehabilitation, and restitution for African Americans, with special consideration for descendants of enslaved individuals.

Reparations are not only just important to direct beneficiaries but also to others who share communities with them in several ways:

#1 Nationwide Reparations Programs Have The Potential To Be An Economic Catalyst

As reparations stimulate economic activity within Black communities, they will create ripple effects that extend beyond the direct beneficiaries. Increased business activity, investment, and consumer spending can lead to significant job creation and economic growth for everyone living in these communities.

This can result in more employment opportunities, higher wages, and a stronger local economy for all residents. Right now, America wage growth and stagnation has been a plaguing issue.

Creating customized reparations programs throughout the United States could greatly improve the standard of living in many communities and help relieve exacerbating income inequality, which is also linked to a host of other economic and social problems.

#2 Improved Infrastructure And Services

Reparations could help improve infrastructure and public services in Black communities. This means more opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as better government oversight.

It could also create new roles for experts. This investment might involve upgrading schools, healthcare, transportation, and other important services. By making these improvements, reparations could boost the quality of life for everyone in these communities.

#3 Lower Housing Costs

Some reparation programs might involve reforming policies to make it easier for local small developers and residents turned entrepreneurs to build houses in areas where discrimination and redlining has been a longstanding problem.

This could mean simplifying the paperwork needed and giving incentives to people who haven't had a fair chance to do so in the past.

Making these changes can make building homes quicker and cheaper for both renters and buyers, which can bring down the overall cost of housing.

#4 Reduction In Social And Economic Inequality

Reparations have the potential to address long-standing social and economic inequalities that negatively impact not only Black communities but society as a whole.

By reducing the racial wealth gap and promoting economic equity, reparations can create a more just and inclusive society where opportunities are more equally distributed. This can lead to greater social cohesion and a stronger sense of community and trust among all residents.

#5 Encouraging Innovation And Entrepreneurship

As reparations would serve as a stimulus for economic activity and investment within Black communities, such programs could also promote and incentivize innovation and entrepreneurship.

This can lead to the development of new businesses, products, technologies, and services that benefit not only the direct beneficiaries but the wider community as well. By encouraging creativity and innovation, reparations can drive economic growth and prosperity for everyone.

According to Cal Matters, Black residents make up around 6% of California's population, and they face unique challenges. Using this data, as of 2022, the Black population in California was roughly 39.45 million.

Now, consider if we empowered just 2% of this underfunded demographic to become entrepreneurs by providing them with capital and resources to start businesses.

The impact of a reparations-driven entrepreneurship ‘boom’ could lead to the creation of about 789,000 new businesses. While the number of jobs created by each business may vary, if each one generates even a few jobs, it could result in a significant number of new job opportunities within regions and communities that need them the most, all within a relatively short period of time.

#6 Investment In Healthcare Infrastructure

Reparations have the potential to transform health and sciences in many ways, leading to increased investment in healthcare infrastructure within Black communities.

This includes the construction and expansion of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, as well as the implementation of solution-oriented programs and more opportunities in the recruitment, education, and training of healthcare professionals.

Improved access to quality healthcare services can lead to better public health outcomes and reduce health disparities among Black Americans.

#7 Health Research And Innovation

Reparations can also support research and innovation in the health sciences. Funding can be allocated towards research projects focused on understanding and addressing health disparities, as well as developing new treatments and interventions that can lead to breakthroughs in medical science and improve the overall health and well-being of the population.

Medical malpractice is a leading cause of death, and our society can greatly benefit from more breakthroughs and talent participation.

#8 Addressing Social Determinants Of Health

Reparations can help address the social determinants of health that contribute to disparities in health outcomes.

This can include addressing factors such as poverty, housing instability, food insecurity, and systemic racism that disproportionately affect Black communities. By investing in social programs and initiatives that address these underlying determinants, reparations can improve health outcomes and promote health equity and help us come up with better solutions while creating new opportunities for citizens to solve tough issues and to make a difference.

#9 Supporting Under-Employed Professionals In STEM

Reparative programs and compensation can help increase the number of under-hired professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

This means providing money for scholarships, mentorship programs, oversight committees, and programs to help Black professionals and students face less discrimination in STEM careers.

By reforming employment and labor standards and regulations, reparations can encourage more innovation and make sure that research and scientific progress represent everyone. This also means protecting and valuing bright minds, new ideas, and intellectual property that can benefit society greatly. Ultimately, it's about using our country's talent in a positive and effective way.

#10 Improving Supply Chain Networks

Reparations programs, such as those created to address the $326 billion in losses suffered by Black farmers due to discrimination and land theft, could greatly change our agricultural landscape. The loss of 15 million acres of land, enforced by racially discriminatory laws from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for decades, has had a significant impact on our country’s manufacturing, production and distribution industries.

Allocating just 1 million acres of land presents a unique opportunity for better supply chain networks, lower food pricing and more jobs.

#11 Promoting Community Health And Wellness

Reparations can support community-based health initiatives that promote health and wellness encouraging youth development and lowering crime rates in high-risk and under-invested communities that have experienced economic deprivation.

#12 Promotion Of Economic Justice

Reparations send a powerful message about the importance of economic justice, democracy, integrity, and fairness. By acknowledging past injustices and taking steps to rectify them, reparations foster a sense of solidarity and mutual respect within communities.

This can lead to greater cooperation, empathy, and understanding among residents from different backgrounds, strengthening community bonds and moving toward creating a nation of prosperity, innovation, and opportunity.

#13 Alleviating Local Tax Burdens

A well-designed reparations program has the potential to alleviate local tax burdens by redistributing wealth and resources to communities historically disenfranchised by systemic injustices. By offering financial support, increased access to education, and opportunities for economic advancement, reparations can empower underfunded residents and regions, reducing the strain of costs to cover public services funded by local taxes.

Addressing historical inequalities through solution-oriented policies that boost economic activity and improve the well-being of historically marginalized communities may lead to a more equitable society.

This could result in increased economic productivity and reduced dependence on poorly managed public programs, alleviating the strain on local budgets and addressing debt in the long term through entrepreneurial and spending activities of locals.

#14 Investment In Education And Youth Programs

Portions of reparations funding can also be allocated towards education and youth development programs, providing resources for community leaders and nonprofits in underserved and underinvested areas. This may involve funding early childhood education, after-school programs, mentorship initiatives, youth centers, community centers with amenities, safe spaces, and vocational training opportunities.

By granting young people access to quality education and supportive programs, reparations can empower them with the opportunity to contribute their talents to society and the stability, skills and resources necessary to succeed and thrive.

#15 Addressing Trauma And Mental Health

Many young adults in high-risk communities have experienced trauma and adversity due to economic deprivation and systemic racism. Reparations can support mental health services and trauma-informed care initiatives to address the psychological impact of historical injustices.

By providing adolescents with access to mental health support, reparations can help them heal and build resilience, reducing their risk of engaging in harmful behaviors and activities.

#16 Breaking The School-To-Prison Pipeline

Reparations can help dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline by investing in restorative justice practices, school counseling services, and alternative disciplinary approaches.

By addressing systemic inequalities in the education and criminal justice systems, reparations can create pathways for young people to succeed academically and avoid involvement in the criminal justice system.

#17 Environmental Justice Initiatives

Reparations also have the potential to play a significant role in addressing environmental challenges and supporting communities disproportionately affected by environmental degradation and at risk of natural disasters such as flooding and shoreline/coastal erosion.

Mitigating and reducing the risks of catastrophic disasters involves taking proactive measures to minimize the likelihood and impact of such events. Investing in preparedness measures such as early warning systems, infrastructure improvements, and community resilience programs, rather than neglecting certain communities, we can also lower the potential severity of disasters in larger areas by focusing on solving challenges in smaller regions.

This will not only protect lives and property but also prevent excessive funds from being wasted and depleted in extensive cleanup and recovery efforts following a disaster in larger cities.

By preventing or minimizing the effects of environmental changes and pollution in historically Black regions affected by these challenges and risks, resources can be more effectively allocated towards supporting various other communities in a more manageable manner.

In essence, reparations for people impacted and more at risk for environmental changes can lead to disaster risk reduction nationwide, resulting in saving both lives and money in the long run.

#18 Investment In Climate Preparedness

Reparations can allocate funds towards climate resilience efforts in communities most vulnerable to the impacts of pollution and underfunding, particularly those with limited access to clean air, water, and land.

This includes investing in infrastructure improvements, disaster preparedness initiatives, and sustainable development projects to help communities adapt to changing environmental conditions and reduce the risk of future disasters, even in major cities.

#19 Promotion Of Green Jobs and Renewable Energy

For programs that may include land reparations, it can support the transition to a low-carbon economy by investing in green jobs and renewable energy projects. Which would lead to funding for workforce development programs, job training initiatives, and renewable energy infrastructure projects that create employment opportunities and reduce reliance on fossil fuels across the country, improving living conditions for humans and wildlife within that region.

#20 Addressing The Legacy Of Pollution In Black Rural Areas

Reparations can help address the legacy of environmental pollution in communities like the Mississippi Delta Region, for example, which is one of many Black rural communities that have been historically marginalized and neglected.

This includes funding for cleanup efforts, health monitoring programs, and community health clinics that provide care to individuals affected by pollution-related illnesses, which also contribute to air quality risks throughout the United States.

#21 Expanding Environmental Education And Awareness

Reparations could potentially support more environmental education and awareness programs in the future.

Such programs could result in protecting the health of people in neglected areas throughout America. Possible initiatives could include funding for activities like teaching about the environment, hosting community workshops, and conducting public awareness campaigns.

Furthermore, reparations could also potentially benefit other regions of the world by sharing knowledge, creating opportunities for collaboration, transferring technology, supporting global environmental projects, and improving advocacy efforts for fairness in environmental matters.

Most recently, Kamilah Moore has risen as part of the next generation of prominent figures in the realm of reparatory justice and constitutional rights.

Ms. Moore is a Scholar and trail blazing Attorney specializing in entertainment and intellectual property transactions. According to the State of California's Department of Justice, Moore comes with an extensive background supported by numerous contributions to human rights and diaspora research across the globe, which includes her work addressing racial inequality in Brazil, advocating for the human right to sanitation in Lowndes County, Alabama, USA, and seeking remedies for indigenous Black women affected by racialized gender violence in Papua New Guinea.

In addition to her ground-breaking international professional experience, she has studied abroad at the University of Amsterdam, where she wrote a powerful master's thesis exploring the intersections between international law and reparatory justice concerning the trans-Atlantic slave trade, chattel slavery, and their legacies.

Kamilah V. Moore holds a Juris Doctor degree from Columbia Law School in New York City, a Master of Laws degree in International Criminal Law from the University of Amsterdam, and a Bachelor's degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

That being said, I wanted to take a moment to tap into Ms. Moore's remarkable expertise and ask her a few questions.

Here is some excellent and strategic advice she had to offer readers:

What are the top three specific actions readers who are in support of a reparations program in their city can do to advocate for this cause?

(K.M.) If you are planning on advocating for a reparations program in your city, the initial objective is to establish a strong and strategic foundation for advancing reparative justice through a series of parallel initiatives.

Here's what this process needs to entail:

Conduct Thorough Preliminary Research:

• Begin by examining the city's history of discrimination, both historical and contemporary.
• Use this research to provide a comprehensive understanding of injustices within your community.

Forge Connections with Elected Officials:

• Establish relationships with elected officials to gain support and facilitate meaningful dialogue on reparative justice.
• Elected officials are instrumental in advancing discussions and actions related to reparations, engagement is important.

Advocate for Formal Commissions:

• Push for the creation of formal commissions tasked with studying and developing reparation proposals.
• These commissions ensure a structured examination of reparations, leading to just and actionable proposals.

By implementing this tripartite strategy of research, relationship-building, and advocacy for formal commissions, communities can lay a solid foundation for advancing reparative justice initiatives.

This approach addresses historical discrimination, engages policymakers, and establishes a structured framework for developing meaningful reparations programs.

What have been the biggest challenges that you have seen in advocating for a reparative justice program?

(K.M.) Navigating misinformation and miseducation in advocacy for reparative justice is one of the foremost obstacles in advocating for reparative justice programs.

The widespread prevalence of misinformation and miseducation about the foundational reasons is also simultaneously underpinning the need for reparations.

Also, a common misconception that I’ve noticed is that many people believe reparations are solely tied to the historical injustice of slavery. While the brutal legacy of slavery is undeniably a central pillar, the scope of reparations extends far beyond this singular atrocity.

In particular, the discourse within California regarding reparative justice serves as a pertinent example. The proposals under consideration encompass a broad spectrum of injustices faced by African Americans in the post-slavery era. These include, but are not limited to, racial terror, systematic political disenfranchisement, enforced housing segregation, pervasive racism in environmental policies and infrastructure, discriminatory practices within the legal system, and the enduring wealth gap that disproportionately affects African American communities.

Each of these areas represents a facet of the systemic discrimination and injustices that reparative justice seeks to address.

The misunderstanding that reparations are exclusively about slavery obscures the multifaceted nature of the injustices that African Americans have faced and continue to confront. This lack of education and clarity of understanding undermines the comprehensive approach required to truly address and ameliorate the deep-seated impacts of systemic racism.

Advocacy for reparative justice, therefore, necessitates a concerted effort to educate and inform the public about the broad scope of reparations. It is imperative to highlight that reparative justice is not about revisiting historical grievances for their own sake but is aimed at acknowledging and rectifying the ongoing effects of those injustices that manifest in myriad ways in contemporary society.

How important is collaboration and building coalitions in achieving such goals?

(K.M.) The role of collective action in advancing reparative justice initiatives is fundamental. The quest for achieving our goals in reparative justice efforts starts with acknowledgement of past harms and making amends for those who have suffered. This first step is crucial for encouraging healing within communities and contributing to the broader aim of societal improvement.

Achieving this magnitude of justice is not an endeavor one can undertake in isolation; it necessitates the collective effort of diverse individuals. Foremost, the individuals and communities that have borne the brunt of these injustices must take the lead.

Their perspectives and experiences are paramount in defining the essence and direction of the justice sought. Their voices must not only be heard but should steer the conversation towards meaningful and impactful reparations.

However, the responsibility does not rest solely on the shoulders of those who have been directly affected. There is a vital role for allies and advocates from various backgrounds to play in this process. Participation from a wide array of individuals enriches the movement, bringing in varied resources, insights, and support necessary for the cause.

This inclusivity strengthens efforts towards reparative justice by leveraging the collective power and resources of a broader community. This collaborative approach underscores the notion that reparative justice transcends the immediate rectification of past wrongs. It embodies the potential for societal transformation, fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and mutual respect.

By working together, guided by the insights and leadership of those most affected, society can move towards not only repairing the damages of the past but also building a foundation for a more equitable and just future.

In addition to the invaluable expert advice provided in this article, it is so important that we continue to prioritize education and clarity in our efforts towards reparative justice and that we are also communicating such things effectively.

Addressing the lack of education regarding Black history, particularly concerning the need for reparations and its impact, is essential for cultivating meaningful change and promoting more constructive and sustainable dialogues.

Furthermore, recognizing the significance of coalition building is equally valuable in our collective journey to build a better society.

By uniting across diverse backgrounds and perspectives, we can amplify our voices, develop new alliances, and make lasting systemic change.

Through education, collaboration, and a shared dedication to justice and wellness, we can cultivate a society that is more equitable, inclusive, and just for all.