Reparations in Boston: Why Now?

As we continue into 2024 – a year that marks the 50th anniversary of the desegregation of public schools in the city through busing – Boston has a unique opportunity to be a leader in embracing an issue that cities and states across the country are reckoning with. Known for being the birthplace of the American revolution, the city must seize this opportunity to be the birthplace of another kind of revolution, one that will address and repair the deep-rooted history of forced enslavement and systematic oppression through reparations. With Massachusetts having been the first colony to legalize slavery, it’s impossible to deny the legacy of slavery woven into the fabric of Boston’s history. Beyond the physical history, unjust laws and policies were established by city, state, and federal government in the years following abolition that created the systematic oppression that reverberates throughout Boston today. Redlining, race-based deed restrictions, discriminatory housing policies, segregation, and the war on crime and drugs are just a few of the many policies that directly led to the staggering disparities in wealth, career and education opportunities, health, and overall experiences across race in our city. Our communities are long past due for the acknowledgement and...