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To many, the idea of reparations for slavery was laughable.
But that changed upon Ta-Nehisi Coates’ landmark Atlantic article. His stated goal? To “get people to stop laughing.” It worked! Reparations are finally being taken seriously.
But what’s his actual argument?
To many the “American Dream” is homeownership - and that’s Coates’ focus. Homeownership is one of the best wealth-building investments a family can make, and also gives one freedom, stability, and pride in one’s community.
But for centuries, the government prohibited Black people from owning throughout most of the country. If we COULD buy homes, we were forced into unfair, predatory loans - all while white people bought up the best land and amassed wealth.
In the 1960s, this “redlining” was outlawed, but it still continues - many cities are more segregated now than ever!
White households have, on average, over 10 TIMES as much wealth as Black households. Housing inequality is one of the major reasons for this - but it’s not the whole story.
There’s also the impact of centuries of slavery, government-backed segregation, discrimination in health, education, and job opportunities, and of course mass incarceration and police brutality - which persist today.
Coates doesn’t explain how he’d distribute reparations. But if America can take seriously one simple point - that the long-lasting impact of slavery is still affecting us today - that’s a start!