Athens Reparations Action gives first checks to Linnentown descendants

The Athens Reparations Action started the first phase of their reparations to Linnentown descendants in a powerful and hopeful ceremony at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, West, on Sunday, June 23.  The ARA gathered at EBCW along with descendants of the 10 families of Linnentown, some of whom have memories of growing up playing in the streets of the once vibrant Black neighborhood. In the 1960s, through eminent domain, the City of Athens and the University of Georgia seized Linnentown’s land, paving the way for UGA’s Brumby, Creswell and Russell halls. The service began with a statement from Rev. Daryl G. Bloodsaw, delivered by Chaplain Cole Knapper, that reminded attendees that Linnentown is just one example of many Black communities that have been forced out of their homes and disenfranchised throughout American history. “What of the American dream?” Bloodsaw’s statement said. “Linnentown is a stark reminder that slices of America’s apple pie for some are only crumbs that fall from the master’s table.”  Next, Rev. Miki Chastain, the pastor at the Oconee Street United Methodist Church gave a statement that called on the Christian community to embrace reparations and she recognized the inaction that majority-white churches took to combat racism. “Generation...