Reparations program created in Evanston, Illinois brought renewed attention to national conversation

In March of 2021, the city council of Evanston, Illinois approved a program believed to be a first-of-its kind reparations effort.  The Chicago suburb plans to use tax money collected from recreational marijuana sales, to create a $10 million fund that would make payments to Black residents for past housing discrimination, and the long-lasting impacts of slavery. 

Eligible Evanstonians may receive up to $25,000 to assist with purchasing, paying for, or repairing a home.

Reparations is not a new idea, but the topic gained traction after the national conversation on race, sparked in 2020 by Black Lives Matter protests in cities across the country. A number of reparations resolutions were being considered nationwide. 

There was 'some' movement at the federal level as well. In February, a House Judiciary sub-committee held a hearing on legislation titled H.R. 40, which lawmakers have introduced repeatedly, since 1989. The resolution calls for a federal commission to study reparations, and to make recommendations as to how the U.S. government may redress the impacts of slavery. President Joe Biden says he 'supports' a study on the matter. However, in the months since this conversation originally aired in April of 2021, momentum on the resolution has slowed.

The topic of reparations brings strong reactions from supporters; who say reparations must be paid for the sin of slavery and its continuing harm to Black people; and from opponents, who say reparations aren't warranted because of the expense; and because no one alive today was actually involved in slavery.

We invited in three Cleveland university professors to talk about the subject. We think the conversation was worth another listen.

Ronnie Dunn, Ph.D., Interim Chief Diversity Officer, Assoc. Professor Urban Studies, Cleveland State University
Marilyn Mobley, Ph.D., Professor of English and African American Studies, Case Western Reserve University
David Miller, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Director of International Education Programs, Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University