“Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” is a pretty well-known phrase among Americans, taken
straight from the Declaration of Independence.
Let’s get real! Are the three inalienable rights catered by those who run our nation? Are our politicians considerate about the lives of our brothers and sisters who have been held captive, abused, and confined? Are we standing up for freedom and laying the groundwork for a brighter future?
The American Dream embodies the belief that everyone has an equal opportunity to create wealth and abundance regardless of their background.
But if we do a reality check, if you are born Black in America, this dream more often resembles a nightmare.
The Wrongs: African American Slavery
The establishment of the first permanent settlement in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607 paved the way for African-American genocide. But the seeds were sown long ago when European monarchs and wealthy merchants funded the voyages for exploration, especially toward Africa.
The Europeans were notorious for engaging in slave trade for more than a century. Two English merchants known for trading slaves were John Hawkins and his cousin, Francis Drake. Interestingly, they were both dubbed “Sir” by the royals.
Hawkins is famously known for saying that one enslaved Negro was worth “Three Indians or two White men.” The network spread rapidly, and trade boomed. The business of human slaves was an essential cornerstone for growth and economic development in colonial America. Slavery fueled many industries in America, from textile production to shipping to agriculture. Africans were seen as beasts of burden and mere objects. As a result, the shackles tightened, making freedom seem even more out of reach.
Some heroes stood against atrocities. Some endorsed rebellion, while others wielded the power of their voices, inspiring every American citizen, irrespective of their skin color. (RIP, Dr. King).
Fast forward to today, millions stand in solidarity with African Americans’ Black Lives Matter and
acknowledge them as victims of institutional racism.
The question is: What can an ordinary man do?
The answer? Reparations.
Righting the Wrongs: Reparations
Reparations refer to compensation, whether in the form of labor, materials, assets, or money, given to individuals who have endured the repercussions of historical injustices such as slavery. For example, in 1860, the physical bodies of almost four million enslaved Black people were valued at over 3 billion dollars to be used for free production and labor. Subsequently, in 1861, the cotton production alone totaled up to 250 million dollars; thanks to enslaved Black people. Therefore, thousands of families have the right to be compensated for the trauma their ancestors endured and the economic devastation their future generations have experienced as a result.
The U.S. government is no stranger to reparations. Japanese Americans received $1.5 billion for their experiences related to World War II. When it comes to Blacks and African Americans, Black Americans haven’t been compensated for state-sponsored discrimination and sanctioned racial discrimination and political, economic, and educational disenfranchisement.
Reparations will play a vital role in tackling the economic gaps between African Americans and other racial or ethnic groups. As of 2016, a typical White household is approximately 10 times better off financially than that of a Black household. Moreover, reparations have the potential to improve wealth distribution and mitigate the lasting effects of discriminatory policies like apartheid. However, reparations are more than just monetary relief.
It is a recognition of historical injustices and the damages that have occurred. Reparations act as restorative justice to some of the injustices done to the Blacks in the name of “American Greatness.”
- Snyder, author of the groundbreaking book “Reparations 101,” has stepped up to raise awareness about the issue. His breathtaking book has sparked a global conversation on reparations and is praised for its honesty and sincerity. Reparations 101 is an experience that catalyzes change, offering essential insights and leaving its reader’s perspective profoundly different in the process. It’s poised to be a game changer, playing a pivotal role in a new awakening to finally address historical injustices and create an America the Founding Fathers envisioned and fought for.
Be a part of the revolution. Grab your copy of Reparations 101.
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