We all know the United States has a complicated past. One full of blood, tears, and vile acts. If you are like me, then you probably have pondered on how much the United States has paid for its troubled past. The short answer—not enough. Reparations are and should be a human right.
In 1865, African Americans were promised 40 acres and a mule. After the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, President Andrew Johnson rescinded the offer and returned all 400,000 acres back to the Confederate land owners. Many people say that an acre cost about $10 in 1865 and around $2.6 trillion in 2019. Today, that same number adjusted for inflation is about $3.2 trillion for the African American community. They deserve their reparations.
The African American community has been left in the dust when it comes to reparations. Many groups of United States citizens, and people that weren’t, got reparations—some groups still get assistance and money today. Before I continue, I just want to say social programs are not reparations. In fact, according to a 2019 study, most of the recipients of social programs are white and not black despite the ongoing stereotypes. Social programs, while helpful, do not make up for the specific and targeted harm caused by slavery and subsequent institutionalized racism. Reparations are about directly addressing that historical injustice.
Let’s be clear: reparations are not just a financial transaction—they are about acknowledging a systemic issue and attempting to right a past wrong that continues to harm millions. While many quickly dismiss reparations as “too complicated” or “unfair,” we have a history of the U.S. paying reparations to other groups who the government’s actions have harmed. In 1988, the U.S. government issued an apology and financial compensation, of $20,000, to Japanese Americans who were wrongfully interned during World War II. They were compensated for their suffering and loss of liberty, and no one argued that they should not receive it. Similarly, Native American tribes have been given reparations for the atrocities committed against them like land grants. Reparations are important—what’s lacking is the political will to apply them to the African American community.
Opposers of reparations often argue that the financial cost is too high or that current generations should not be held accountable for historical wrongs. But this overlooks the ongoing costs of slavery that are still endured by the African American community today. The generational wealth gap between white and Black Americans is staggering. The median net worth of white families is about six times greater than that of Black families. African Americans were systematically denied access to homeownership, quality education, and job opportunities for generations. These deliberate policies—like redlining, voter suppression, and the War on Drugs—have kept African Americans at a disadvantage, compounding the effects of slavery long into the 21st century.
Additionally, while no one living today personally enslaved others, it’s undeniable that we all live in a country built on slavery. The wealth that many white Americans enjoy today was made possible, in part, by the free labor of enslaved Black people. The infrastructure of the country, from its economy to its social systems, was shaped by slavery. The descendants of those who were enslaved continue to face the fallout, from discriminatory practices to police violence, and to pretend otherwise is to ignore history.
Some argue that reparations would be difficult to implement, but this is hardly a valid excuse. Many reasonable proposals for reparations already exist, ranging from direct payments to funding education, healthcare, and housing in predominantly Black communities. Reparations could come in the form of educational grants, housing vouchers, or even debt forgiveness. A more specific proposal might include tax relief for Black Americans, investments in minority-owned businesses, and systemic reforms in criminal justice to address the over-policing of Black communities. Reparations do not need to be a one-size-fits-all; they need to be tailored to meet the unique challenges and needs of the African American community today.
In fact, reparations don’t only make financial sense; they make moral sense. It is a national responsibility to make amends for the harm caused by centuries of enslavement, racial segregation, and ongoing discrimination. Reparations would acknowledge the economic, social, and psychological damage that slavery and systemic racism have inflicted on African Americans and offer a change for healing and reconciliation. While it’s impossible to fully erase the trauma, reparations could help alleviate some of the burdens that still exist, creating more opportunities for upward mobility and equity.
Reparations would also serve as a recognition of the immense contributions African Americans have made to this country. From building the infrastructure of the nation to shaping the arts, culture, and sciences, Black Americans have been integral in the development of the United States. Yet, their contributions have been undervalued and often ignored. Reparations could help honor these contributions and acknowledge the unfulfilled promises made to African Americans for centuries.
Reparations are not just about money—they are about justice. They are about righting the wrongs of the past and ensuring a more equitable future. For too long, the African American community has borne the weight of America’s historical sins without receiving the compensation or acknowledgment it deserves. The promise of 40 acres and a mule was broken. It is time to fulfill that promise—not just for the descendants of enslaved people, but for the soul of the nation itself. The U.S. has a long way to go in terms of racial equity, but reparations would be a powerful step forward. It’s time to pay what is owed America.