REPAIRING AMERICA

Eileen Rivers
·4 min read
As we hit the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre, we define reparations and the fight for Black equity across the United States
As we hit the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre, we define reparations and the fight for Black equity across the United States

As the federal government gets closer than ever to moving on H.R. 40 — a bill that would designate a committee to study racism in America and propose reparative measures — and local, county and state governments across the country make similar moves, we wanted to track the nation’s progress on making amends for its history of inequity. When the country marked 100 years since the Tulsa Race Massacre, we looked at, among other things, the loss of Black wealth, housing instability and redlining. We interviewed members of Congress about the federal H.R. 40 battle, and we’re taking a look at how states like Vermont and California are addressing reparations for their residents. We plan to look at reparations and policing, the role of nonprofit organizations and repair and what’s happening at educational institutions. Look for updated content every month.


View from USA TODAY's Editorial Board: How the nation can help repair damage done for generations

America still has far to go to foster a fully just society and to mitigate the lasting consequences of institutionalized racism. Read more

Reparations call is a moral reckoning white Americans can no longer delay

The history of Black oppression, its relevance and the need for atonement have to be recognized by every white person in America. Read more

CHAPTER 4: EDUCATION'S TIES TO SLAVERY, JIM CROW

My enslaved ancestors were sold to support Georgetown

I enrolled at 63 for them. But my story isn't just about that college. It's a national narrative about how we see ourselves as a people. Read more





I sued Harvard to save my slave ancestors' legacy

Tamara Lanier researched her family's history and found cemetery records, census documents and slave ledgers that connect an enslaved African named Renty to her family. A Harvard scientist had ordered Renty's exploitation; the university has held onto the scientist's work, including a half-nude photo. And Lanier wants that photo (which she considers her family property) back, begging the question: Who owns the rights to the pillages of slavery? Read more



Colleges and universities owe Black people restitution. It’s long past time to pay.

Education institutions with ties to slavery and Jim Crow crippled the earnings of Blacks for generations. Now, some are leading the way to justice. Read more



CHAPTER 3: EXPLORING PROGRESS STATE BY STATE

Are reparations being discussed in your area? Find out here.

Research reveals apologies for slavery, task forces but little substantial monetary action. Explore exclusive database, maps

  • • In North Carolina, some view city reparations as obstacles, not templates. Read more

  • • How culpable is California, a non-slave state, for its role in slavery? The state embarks on a two-year journey to examine reparations. Read more

  • • The city of Athens, Georgia, has made strides on reparations. But the former residents of Linnentown want their land back. Read more

  • • Maryland pardons set example for bipartisanship on racial healing. Read more

  • • Vermont struggles, experiments with direct payment. Read more

  • • North Carolina's Buncombe County paves the way to link descendants to deserved reparations. Read more

  • • Illinois city touted as first is lagging on reparations plan. Read more

CHAPTER 2: HR40 AND CONGRESS

Slavery, trauma and modern America

Lack of empathy and hypervigilance are rooted in America’s slave past, and they are reenforced every time we watch a video of police brutality. That stress is killing Black America. Project editor Eileen Rivers talks about multigenerational trauma and how addressing it is vital to reparations. Read more



CHAPTER 1: TULSA AND THE ERASURE OF BLACK WEALTH

Fighting on two fronts

Tiffany Crutcher's great-grandmother was a victim of the Tulsa race massacre. Her twin brother was shot and killed by Tulsa police in 2016. She's battling for them both. Read more

  • • Mass destruction, lawsuits, thwarted justice: Tulsa massacre timeline

  • • "For 70 years (they) told us this massacre didn't happen." Watch video

  • • Nearly two dozen Black massacres in American history. Search the database

  • • "Mother" Randle talks about being a survivor: "It's not anything I'm proud of or think is grand." Watch video

  • • Is this small Georgia town a model for reparations? Read more

  • • Urban renewal killed other Black Wall Streets across the country. Read more

  • • Racism costs all Americans, not just Black people. How much? Read on

  • • When it comes to homeownership, are Black people better than they were 100 years ago? Read more

  • • How philanthropies can help end financial disparities. Read more

  • • Economics professor Trevon Logan talks political violence, massacres and the Black economy Listen

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: In 'Repairing America' USA TODAY looks at nationwide reparations fight