San Francisco begins reparations with an apology. Is it enough?

Supervisors in San Francisco formally apologized Feb. 27 to African Americans and their descendants for the city’s role in perpetuating racism and discrimination, with several stating that this was just the start of reparations for Black residents and not the end. The vote was unanimous with all 11 board members signed on as sponsors of the resolution. “This historic resolution apologizes on behalf of San Francisco to the African American community and their descendants for decades of systemic and structural discrimination, targeted acts of violence, atrocities,” said Supervisor Shamann Walton, “as well as committing to the rectification and redress of past policies and misdeeds.” San Francisco joins another major United States city, Boston, in issuing an apology. Nine states have formally apologized for slavery, according to the resolution. “We have much more work to do but this apology most certainly is an important step,” said Mr. Walton, the only Black member of the board and chief proponent of the resolution. It is the first reparations recommendation of more than 100 proposals made by a city committee to win approval. The African American Reparations Advisory Committee also proposed that every eligible Black adult receive a $5 million lump-sum cash payment and...