(PatriotSpotlight.org) – In a major push for political change, approximately 200 activists gathered at the Bolling Building in Roxbury, Massachusetts, on Saturday, calling on the City of Boston to allocate $15 billion in slavery reparations. The Boston People’s Reparations Commission also urged local white churches to invest an additional $50 million into the black community.
The meeting, led by Rev. Kevin Peterson, highlighted the enduring impacts of more than a century of widespread slavery prior to the American Civil War, along with the urgent need for reparative measures. Peterson also complained that the 15 billion figure was inadequate given that each life impacted by slavery was “incalculable.” He implied it was impossible to “put a number on” the tens of thousands of slaves who died and suffered under slavery in the city.
According to journalists, residents at the meeting appeared to echo Peterson’s sentiments, advocating for a holistic approach to reparations. “Reparations is cash. It’s land. It’s education. It’s these other functions that are included. It’s not just money,” emphasized Nick Johnson, reflecting the multifaceted nature of their demands.
The commission’s ambitions extend beyond the city’s financial contributions. Rev. Peterson revealed ongoing discussions with leaders of white churches, urging them to pledge a further $50 million in funding for the black community. The outcome of these talks remains uncertain, but many residents told the press of their support for the scheme.
Back in January, Boston’s progressive City Mayor Michelle Wu launched a landmark Task Force on Reparations. The body includes 10 members responsible for probing the lasting impacts of slavery in the city in order to plan solutions to aid local Black communities.
The Boston People’s Reparations Commission is independent of the city’s new task force, but states on its website: “we cannot rely on the city solely for justice,” and stresses their commitment to exploring anti-Black histories and advocating for realistic reparations models. It remains unknown how this initiative will pan out, and if it will positively impact outcomes among Boston’s Black residents.
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