The fight for reparations may be in full-swing in San Francisco. Supervisors in San Francisco issued a formal apology to African Americans Tuesday, saying this was just the beginning of reparations for Black residents.
“This historic resolution apologizes on behalf of San Francisco to the African American community and their descendants for decades of systemic and structural discrimination, targeted acts of violence, atrocities,” said Supervisor Shamann Walton, “as well as committing to the rectification and redress of past policies and misdeeds.”
Nine states have apologized for slavery. San Francisco joins Boston in offering an apology like this. “We have much more work to do but this apology most certainly is an important step,” said Walton, the only Black member of the board.
First Step Towards the Big Payout
A lot of money is on the table. Legacy-shaping amounts. The African American Reparations Advisory Committee also proposed that every eligible black adult resident receive a $5 Million payment and guaranteed annual income of at least $100,000. Steps towards closing the wide racial wealth gap.
While Tuesday’s apology was the first recommendation of more than 100 proposals made by a city committee to win approval, there’s been no progress on the others. The money isn’t the concern for many residents.
They just want fair policies and practices.
More than the Apology
Supervisor Dean Preston says some leaders who supported the apology still build “unaffordable housing for mostly wealthy, white people” on public land. He represents the Black Fillmore neighborhood. It was torn down, displacing many black residents in the last century.
“People want an apology,” he said. “But they also want a commitment not to repeat harms.”
