Cost Effective Reparations Can Start with Apology

By Dianne Anderson Cash is always king, but policies in the works could jumpstart reparations for Black Californians without breaking the bank. Earlier this year, the State Legislative Analyst’s Office projected a $38 billion budget deficit, meaning money is tight, and direct compensation is not likely, at least for now. But Kristin Nimmers said other ways can positively impact and address generations of direct harm to Black residents, starting with an apology from the government. “It doesn’t cost anything to acknowledge the harm, but it is an important aspect of healing because it’s difficult to heal harm that hasn’t been acknowledged. Once those harms are acknowledged, I think state leadership and local leadership are responsible to do what’s necessary to repair or end them,” said Nimmers, Policy and Campaigns Manager for the California Black Power Network. Statewide policy shifts, such as addressing discrimination in terms of appraisals or getting approved for housing, do not necessarily require high costs to carry out. Increased access to affordable housing with more tenant protection from institutionalized discrimination and racism can also be implemented in down budget times. Returning land that was taken without consent from Black owners is among the 1,100 points covered in...