For years, Black Americans have been advocating for reparations to be given. However, in Asheville, North Carolina, Black residents will receive them. This comes after weeks of widespread Black Lives Matter protests.
The payments will not be direct checks, but investments in Black communities. According to Councilman Keith Young, “It is simply not enough to remove statues. Black people in this country are dealing with issues that are systemic in nature.” The city will invest in resources to fund job opportunities, education, health care. Moreover, they are looking into closing the wage gap.
Though the conversation about giving reparations is nothing new, it is very relevant to the current situation in America. Black Americans have been subjected to years of oppression, for example, slavery and police brutality. Black communities are often disadvantaged. Thus, these communities often suffer from a lack of investment and higher crime rates due to a lack of opportunities.
Giving reparations in the form of investment to Black communities could help end problems that have plagued Black communities for multiple decades. Councilman Young hopes to create a Community Reparations Commission to recommend programs and resources. Overall, North Carolina seems to be moving in the right direction.
Written by Reginae Echols
Edited by Cathy milne-Ware
Sources:
ABC11: North Carolina city backs reparations in the form of community investment
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