We waited another week, not another year to finally endorse this discussion.
Last week, a U.S. House Judiciary subcommittee held a hearing to discuss creation of a commission to study the lasting effects of slavery’s legacy and what to do to address it.
Obviously, the knee-jerk reaction by some will be to immediately dismiss any such notion, as the U.S. Senate’s president did by saying it “was not a good idea.”
President Trump said he found the idea “unusual” and “interesting” but doesn’t “see it happening.”
However, this commission appears to be a perfect opening to set in motion not only ideas about reparations, but also a national discussion about race.
Should America still pay for our original sin of slavery? We’re unsure how but let’s have that conversation.
Is a national apology to all African Americans from the U.S. government for slavery out of the question? We don’t think so.
Should we address the possibility of reparations and the form they would be in? Why not?
Finally, after an open, nationwide discussion, should we allow for a referendum on the subject? Perhaps.
Rather than handing out checks to each African American, we’re inclined toward something resembling modern-day Marshall Plans to rebuild our nation’s inner cities.
That would include investments in predominantly black schools, colleges, public housing and business incubators.
Other areas such assistance could be considered as reparations might be addressing health care disparities, job training, drug rehabilitation and day care — things that will help get black communities on their economic feet.
Of course, we have no idea what a reparations program might look like or how it might operate. No one does.
Whether it’s simply ramping up affirmative action to honoring the 40 acres and a mule pledge (or its value in a check), that’s not really the point.
Many whites are inclined to want to forget this legacy that still haunts us. However, though most African Americans have forgiven the past, it’s not forgotten.
And while some debate whether discrimination and the long-term effects of segregation still linger, we don’t. It does. Judging by data ranging from rates of incarceration to income inequality among blacks such numbers tell a sad truth.
It should not surprise anyone that many will condemn even the idea of a discussion of a national apology and reparations this year, which marks the 400th anniversary of African slaves arriving in Jamestown.
True, we have made important progress toward reversing that inhuman, cruel, brutal legacy. But we have yet to fully reckon with this horrible sin and what followed leading up to our unjust present.
Let’s not wait another 150 years for this discussion.
