Reparations movement has moved beyond national debates and into local governments, churches, and communities across the United States. With more cities and institutions exploring how to repair the harms caused by slavery and systemic racism, people are asking: what’s next?
This article explains how local communities are driving reparations efforts, what’s already happening, and where the movement could go from here.
The reparations movement is a campaign to address the lasting effects of slavery, segregation, and racist policies against African Americans. It calls for real action to correct generations of injustice, not just public apologies.
Reparations can include:
The goal is to reduce the racial wealth gap and create long-term opportunities for affected communities.
For many years, reparations were mostly discussed at the national level. But Congress has been slow to act. As a result, many local governments have decided to take action themselves.
Local governments often played a direct role in causing harm—whether through discriminatory housing policies, policing practices, or school segregation. These same governments are now in a position to undo some of that damage by creating targeted reparations programs.
Cities, counties, and school boards can act faster than federal agencies. They also work more closely with residents and communities, making it easier to understand local needs and design more personal, community-focused solutions.
Evanston became the first city in the U.S. to launch a reparations program. In 2021, the city offered $25,000 housing grants to eligible Black residents who faced discrimination from past housing policies. The program is funded through a local marijuana tax.
This marked a major moment in the reparations movement, showing that small cities can lead the way.
In 2020, Asheville’s city council voted to apologize for slavery and systemic racism. Instead of direct payments, the city focused on investing in Black communities. This includes support for Black-owned businesses, housing, education, and health programs.
San Francisco created a reparations task force that recommended giving eligible Black residents one-time payments of up to $5 million. The plan was debated heavily, and while not yet implemented, it sparked national attention and pushed the conversation forward.
Boston formed a task force to study the city’s role in slavery and racial injustice. The group is working on a full report to recommend reparations strategies for the city.
Some churches and schools are also getting involved. A few religious groups have created reparations funds and scholarships for descendants of enslaved people. Several universities, including Georgetown and others, have admitted their historical ties to slavery and taken steps to repair harm through education and financial programs.
Though each city or institution may approach reparations differently, most successful programs include similar elements:
Black residents often lead or help shape the discussions, planning, and implementation. This ensures that reparations programs meet real community needs.
Programs usually begin with a deep look at local history—how past laws, practices, or leaders harmed Black communities. This step builds understanding and support.
Local governments often set up official groups to study, plan, and manage reparations programs. These groups gather input from the public and recommend actions.
Reparations are usually focused on housing, business support, education, and public health—areas where Black communities have been historically underserved.
Many programs include timelines, progress reports, or community updates to build trust and show real results over time.
Black families in the U.S. still own far less wealth than white families. On average, a Black household has about one-eighth of the wealth of a white household. This gap exists because of policies that blocked access to education, housing, and business opportunities for generations.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep inequalities in healthcare, jobs, and housing. Black communities were hit harder than most, highlighting the need to address long-standing problems.
Younger people, including many white Americans, are more supportive of reparations than past generations. Surveys show that over 60% of Gen Z and Millennials support some form of reparations. This shift in public opinion is pushing more leaders to take action.
Even as the reparations movement grows, it still faces several obstacles.
Local budgets are often limited. Some critics argue that reparations programs are too expensive. Supporters counter that governments already spend money to fix other kinds of injustice—this is no different.
A common debate is around eligibility. Should reparations go only to descendants of enslaved people? What about those affected by later policies like redlining or mass incarceration? Each community must decide based on its own history.
Some politicians and community members oppose reparations, saying the programs are unfair or divisive. Supporters argue that justice requires action, not just words.
There is concern that some efforts are more symbolic than impactful. True reparations must include real investment and long-term planning to be meaningful.
As one city acts, others are inspired to follow. This ripple effect could lead to wider adoption of reparations policies at state levels and possibly federal ones.
Though Congress has not yet passed any national reparations policy, bills like H.R. 40 aim to create a federal reparations commission. Local success stories could build pressure for national change.
More schools, news outlets, and cultural institutions are starting to teach about the history of slavery and systemic racism. The more people learn, the more likely they are to support reparations.
Some activists are expanding the reparations conversation to include Indigenous communities, Japanese Americans affected by internment, and other groups harmed by government policies. This could lead to a more inclusive national conversation about repair and justice.
You don’t need to be an expert or activist to make a difference. Here are some ways to help:
The reparations movement is no longer just a theory. It’s becoming reality in cities and communities across the United States. While every program looks different, they all share one goal: to repair the harm caused by slavery and racism.
The path forward won’t be easy. But local efforts show that change is possible when people come together, listen, and act. The question for each of us is: what role will we play in making that change happen?
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