California has recently emerged as a pioneer in confronting historical racial injustices, introducing a groundbreaking series of reparations bills. Spearheaded by the state’s Legislative Black Caucus, this initiative encompasses 14 legislative proposals designed to mitigate the enduring effects of slavery and systemic racism within areas such as education, civil rights, and the criminal justice system. Among the notable measures included is the rectification for properties unjustly seized through racially discriminatory eminent domain practices. Unlike typical reparations efforts focused primarily on financial restitution for the descendants of enslaved individuals, California’s strategy prioritizes systemic and structural changes.
FILE – From left, state Sen. Steven Bradford, Secretary of State Shirley Weber, task force member … [+]
Amidst this legislative push, Danny Angelo Fluker Jr., the author of “Reparations and Wholeness: A Path to Healing Justice” and founder of “Black Boys Ohm,” champions a much broader view of reparations. His work suggests that true justice should encompass both financial compensation and healing initiatives that take a multi-faceted approach to wellness. Fluker’s vision, as detailed in his latest book, proposes a comprehensive strategy for reparations that grant recipients access to a wide range of therapeutic treatments, alternative therapies, and holistic health practices. He advocates for the establishment of the “African-American Whole-Being Foundation,” aimed at addressing the generational trauma stemming from chattel slavery.
Danny Angelo Fluker Jr.
In an interview with ForbesBLK contributor, Ashlee Marie Preston, Fluker delves into his perspective on redefining reparations through the prism of healing justice, highlighting how such measures could not only benefit direct descendants of slavery but also foster a broader societal healing.
Ashlee Marie Preston: What inspired you to write Reparations and Wholeness: A Path to Healing Justice?
Danny Angelo Fluker Jr: I was deeply moved by the staunch dedication of individuals, collectives, and organizations within the national Black wellness community. Witnessing their work, along with my own sweat and tears, made me realize the urgent need for an effective approach to serving our communities more expansively and sustainably—and without constant concern over resources.
Preston: Can you share more about the concept of healing justice and why you believe it’s essential in the context of reparations?
Fluker: Healing justice, akin to social justice, centers on the collective repair and well-being of communities and their respective members. Ultimately, it’s a commitment to supporting their upward mobility. That focus is crucial in the context of reparations as it acknowledges the deep, systemic wounds inflicted by historical injustices, aiming not just to compensate but to holistically heal folks. It builds a foundation for true healing and reconciliation by addressing the emotional, psychological, and social damages as a result of chattel slavery.
Preston: How did you approach the task of envisioning the African-American Whole-Being Foundation, and what do you hope it will achieve?
Fluker: I often dreamt and journaled about it, but it wasn’t until a publisher approached me to create A Healing Journal for Black Men that I found the courage to openly share those visions. Gaining my authorial voice through that project instilled in me the confidence to publicly express more of my ideas.
Preston: In your research, what were some of the most impactful global reparations models you encountered, and how did they influence your vision for reparations in the United States?
Fluker: The framework for healing and restitution demonstrated in the compensation and support model for Holocaust survivors, as well as the United States’ acknowledgment of the wrongs inflicted upon families in Japanese Internment camps, gave me a lot to work with. Those examples strengthened my vision for a foundation dedicated to Black Healing, reinforcing my belief in the practicality of remuneration.
Preston: The mock reparations bill you propose is a significant part of the book. Could you elaborate on its key components and how it aligns with the theme of healing justice?
Fluker: I wanted to stay true to the longstanding calls for monetary reparations made by my predecessors, and crafted a mock bill with the same objective at its core. Anticipating opposition and pushback, I also included possible counterarguments to each provision of the bill, but made it clear that the financial burden wouldn’t fall on American taxpayers. More importantly, I place great emphasis on the need for mental, physical, and emotional health support for Black Americans, and what those modalities entail along with strategies on how to make them sustainable. The passage of such a bill would mark a significant milestone for the healing justice movement, nurturing the whole wellbeing of Black Americans.
Preston: Throughout the book, you delve into the historical and ongoing impacts of systemic injustices on Black families. What do you hope readers take away from those insights?
Fluker: I hope non-Black families will develop empathy and a clearer understanding of why the concepts and ideas in my book are necessary. I hope there’s a deeper reflection on how the strategies presented could positively impact all Americans. A model of this scope could foster healing not just for Black Americans, but for our nation as a whole— setting a greater precedent for what’s possible.
Preston: Finally, what steps do you believe individuals and communities can take to support the movement toward reparations and holistic healing for Black Americans?
Fluker: Read the book, recommend it, and support Black Wellness organizations and businesses that are doing this work. A portion of each book sale goes to WalkGood LA and other organizations like the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, and BEAM. Go and experience the healing these spaces provide, take your newfound practice, and go nurture and support the collective. We’re all connected more than we realize, and the healing of Black America is tied to the wellbeing of the entire nation.