Biden’s Pledge on Reparations Study: A Promise Unfulfilled?

When Joe Biden stood before America, promising a new dawn for racial justice, many saw a beacon of hope. Among these promises was a commitment to explore reparations for African Americans, a topic that has long simmered on the nation’s conscience. Yet, as we stand today, the path to fulfilling this pledge appears untrodden, leaving many to question the fate of this crucial commitment. Advertisment The Promise of Progress Amidst the fervor of a nation grappling with its racial wounds, Biden’s vow seemed to herald a significant shift. The idea wasn’t merely symbolic; it spoke to a broader agenda aimed at addressing the deep-seated disparities rooted in the country’s history of slavery and racial injustice. Steps were taken to reduce the uninsured rate among African Americans and to enhance the affordability of historically Black colleges and universities. Yet, the cornerstone of this pledge — the study of reparations — remains conspicuously stagnant. The Hurdles to Healing Advertisment The legislative vehicle for exploring this ambitious goal, known as H.R. 40, has been introduced but languishes without a vote in a Republican-led House. The killing of George Floyd in 2020 only amplified the urgency and relevance of this discussion, yet political will...