40 Acres and a Mule is the U.S.'s most famous attempt at reparations. Thousands of freed people actually received their 40 acres, but the government snatched it back quicker than they could say heehaw. While the fight for reparations goes on, this Chicago business is doing something to meet the community's needs.
In the Austin neighborhoods on the West Side of Chicago, Liz Abunaw's grocery store is making good on the '40 Acres' promise by tackling food inequity. Her 40 Acres Fresh Market is the only full-service grocery store in Austin.
Abunaw wondered, "What would it look like if we actually got our 40 acres?” Her answer was to turn a former concrete-heavy Salvation Army store into a vibrant neighborhood market bursting with fresh products, meats, and other essentials.
This is a reminder to us all that we have everything we need to self-determine our future. Forget their 40 acres and that mule; we've all we got.
While we must continue pushing for what we're owed. Broken promises ain't never broke us. Together, we have the power and resources to determine our own futures in every way.