This is something Black people dream of.
The San Francisco Reparations Committee presented a hefty payback program for Black residents. The recommended sum — $5 million, each.
In the draft report released last month, the African American Reparations Advisory Committee claimed San Francisco showed progressive reform but it was overshadowed by the country’s racist reputation. “While neither San Francisco nor California, formally adopted the institution of chattel slavery, the values of segregation, white supremacy and systematic repression and exclusion of
Black people were legally codified and enforced,” the report said, reported by The National Review.Residents who identify as Black and are at least 18 years of age would receive a lump sum of cash under this plan. However, there are some strict requirements. Before payment, residents must meet two of eight requirements like be “personally, or the direct descendant of someone, incarcerated by the failed War on Drugs” or be a “descendant of someone enslaved through U.S. chattel slavery before 1865.”
The National Review reported that the committee also recommended compensation for families affected by “education harms” on black students, and “a comprehensive debt forgiveness program.” The program will work to cancel student loans, housing loans, and credit card debt for Black residents for a chance to build wealth.
The committee hoped this will help heal “decades of harm.”
“A lump sum payment would compensate the affected population for the decades of harms that they have experienced, and will redress the
economic and opportunity losses that Black San Franciscans have endured, collectively, as the result of both intentional decisions and unintended harms perpetuated by City policy,” the committee said.Other benefits of the proposal include homeowners grants for home maintenance and repair costs and first choice on selective housing units. While this was met with cheers, some Black conservatives felt offended.
As a guest on Fox News’ Hannity show, controversial civil rights attorney, Leo Terrell, called the proposal “racist.” “We’re talking about a
racist program to benefit individuals who happen to be Black- five million dollars. California was a free state. Who’s going to pay for it?” Terrell said, according to Fox News.“Why should they get $5 million? Because of skin color? It’s insulting.”
There is a pricey tag on this plan. According to Local 12, San Francisco would have to dish out $50 billion – and that’s based on 10,000 people qualifying. The final proposal is set to be submitted in June.