Students interview Black Evanston residents who are first in the nation to receive reparations

In 2019, Evanston’s city council passed a resolution to fund reparations, using revenue from a sales tax on recreational cannabis. Robin Rue Simmons, a former alderman for Evanston’s historically Black 5th Ward, launched the initiative. More than 600 people applied before the November 2021 deadline, according to city officials. Black residents were eligible under three categories: As “ancestors” who lived in Evanston sometime between 1919 and 1969 As “direct descendants” of an “ancestor” By submitting evidence of housing discrimination due to the city’s practices or policies after 1969 Who has received grants so far Evanston prioritized ancestor applicants, and at least 117 have received funding as of January 2024. The reparations committee expects to serve at least 80 direct descendants this year, according to the Chicago Tribune. At first, reparations had to be used for down payments, mortgage assistance or home repairs, but Evanston council members voted to allow direct cash payments in March 2023. Each person who is approved is eligible for $25,000. How Evanston fits into the national landscape The idea of reparations is not new — but the U.S. government has only rarely paid them out. Some lawmakers have pushed for a federal commission on the topic,...