We Must Insist: Reparations

Reparations with its potential to reorganize the social and economic foundations of the United States is the only political idea with the potential of liberating African Americans so that we can live to our fullest potential.

A real reparations settlement must involve re-distribution of wealth and a new social order based on justice and democracy for all. It would alter the race, class and gender realities of every citizen of the United States. Even the current borders of the United States would be up for re-consideration.

The demand for reparations is a grand, sweeping proposal. It represents the best hope for the future of the nation and the just and environmentally sustainable development of the world. It stand in diametrical opposition to the consumers and materialism that so permeates this contemporary society.

There are some within the reparations struggle who believe that this ideal is unachievable. They caution us to take incremental steps, to make compromises with those who control the nation’s economic and social structures. Their vision of a reparations settlement involves government grants and resources to run various economic development programs, start businesses, operate media and run schools.

Similar kinds of post-Black Power era compromises by the black elite in the late 1960s, 70s and 80s led to the current ideological crisis. During this ebb in our struggle, the number of African American casualties, both physical and mental, continues to grow. The United States quiet race war against African and Native Americans has resulted in soaring incarceration rates, devastating healthcare injustice and deep psychological injuries that make it almost impossible to live a quality life.

We must develop strategies to organize within the African American community and to reach out to others to join us in this great project for justice, democracy and reconstruction.

What must we do to move beyond this crisis and achieve our ancestors’ dream?


Zion 's boom bip

Dr King's We Shall Overcome

Tunji Oyelana & The Benders' Ipasan

Donny Hathaway's Someday We'll All Be Free

Old heads, The Emotion's So I Can Love You