Mid-South pastor starts petition to stop bill from banning the study of reparations

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – A bill could block local governments in Tennessee from studying and funding reparations for descendants of enslaved people. “It’s frustrating to see this come up,” said Rev. Earle Fisher, a community activist. Reverend Dr. Fisher has collected more than 1,800 signatures on a petition opposing the bill. “It’s contrary to what the government is supposed to do when you talk about helping citizens figure out what is true. Then remedying and redressing any of the social and political ills,” said Fisher The bill is sponsored by Republican Representative John Ragan of Nashville and Senator Brent Taylor of Memphis.  “As long as there’s a super majority in the state house, then you can never guarantee that the will of the majority of the people will be enacted. But it is clear people all across the state are concerned about what’s happening,” said Fisher. Before the senate approved the bill, Taylor pointed to Shelby County approving $5 million to city reparations. “We know this is a very divisive issue, and it’s an important issue for people in our communities. It’s an important issue in my community. But, Mr. Speaker, it’s an issue that cannot be resolved at the local...