A United States senator made a statement that said he does not think that reparations for something that happened 150 years ago is a good idea. I believe that is simplistic thinking but it is shared by many here in the USA who do not realize that the residual effects of slavery and Jim Crow have been and are still in effect today!

It is true what the senator said… that white folks who are currently living in the USA had nothing to do with the scourge of slavery back in the 18th and 19th centuries. However many of their white ancestors benefited from the free labor of black enslaved men, women, and children who were dehumanized as well as being prohibited from becoming educated. They also suffered all kinds of indignities which contributed to the current condition of black folks and the disparities between whites and blacks in present-day society.

The economic fruits of that slave culture translated into the wealth which was accumulated from the free labor of slavery and allowed for future generations of whites to benefit economically, educationally, and culturally. Given that history, it is not surprising that there is such a gap between blacks and whites in our present-day society in terms of both wealth and health.  Hopefully this gives greater understanding to the terms we refer to as “generational wealth” or the “wealth gap” as described below

If you are poorer, you live in a poorer neighborhood! If you live in a poorer neighborhood, your children go to a poorer school which results in a poor education. With a poor education, you are ill-prepared for a well-paying job as an adult so you necessarily reside in a poor neighborhood to raise your family in the midst of adverse conditions such as crime, drugs, violence, toxic air, and water, etc. Even though that situation exists, many, if not most black folks, rise above those obstacles to raise their families to be upstanding citizens. However, given the shameful history mentioned above, there is still the general perception that if you are black you are somehow suspect and treated as such, particularly as it relates to police brutality, the criminal justice system, housing, employment, and education.

Yes, But to correct this country’s original sin of slavery, we had a Civil War, civil rights legislation and elected a black president says the Senator… implying that all things are now equal for all people in the USA…what’s the problem? To that, I am reminded of what the legendary coach of Georgetown basketball John Thompson said some years ago -“There is nothing more unequal than treating unequals as equal!”

I firmly believe that some thoughtful form of reparations could be a way to help rectify this problem of racial injustice and the inequities that pervade our society!

Although sending money to organizations or even individuals in the black community might be part of a reparations program, that is not what I am advocating!

My suggestion would be to upgrade the black communities in terms of high-quality schools, libraries, hospitals business opportunities, environment, art centers, infrastructure, recreation, health centers, and transportation…comparable to what you might find in any high-end suburban community!

Child care, adult education, job opportunities, etc. would also be included! Of course, it would cost a lot of money but it cost a lot of money to get us to the Moon, not to mention the Marshall plan and other projects undertaken by this country!

The meaning of “reparations” as defined in Webster’s dictionary includes “the act of making amends for a wrong.” The word itself allows for great latitude concerning its definition plus I allow in my piece for additional latitude when I say “some thoughtful forms of reparations” could be helpful.

Given the controversy swirling around this term, I feel a need to clarify what is meant when I use the word “reparations”, being aware that others may use that word with a different meaning in a different context! Thank you for your interest regarding this timely topic!

Phil Morrison