Editorial and Opinion Page

The Civil Liberties Act of 1988 granted each Japanese surviving internee $20,000, which began in 1990. This was compensation for what the government declared as “race prejudice, war hysteria, and a failure of political leadership.” At this time, the United States felt that prejudice and mistreatment towards Japanese people in America were what made this Act necessary. This Act birthed a question that has gained more traction by the year: “Should descendants of African American slaves receive compensation?” One side of the argument feels like today’s America should not have to pay for the actions the nation committed in its past, also pointing out that there is not enough money to give African Americans that would fulfill what is believed by others to be necessary. The opposing side of the argument feels that the deep prejudice caused by slavery has had a negative impact on the lives of African Americans for years, including today. This debate has become significant in California as the state comes closer than ever to granting reparations to its African American residents for slavery.

Early in May, a committee in the state of California voted on and approved a list of proposals regarding reparations. This committee, or task force, was enforced by California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom in October of 2020 as the nation was still processing the death of George Floyd. Newsom stated that the “painful history of slavery has evolved into structural racism and bias built into and permeating throughout our democratic and economic institutions.” This list will now go to state representatives for review. The committee advocated for an agency to handle the finances, which includes calculating the total sum of money owed to the African American residents of California. Some of the suggestions that were on the list at this meeting include an estimated total of $13,619 for each year of residency for a 71-year life expectancy as compensation for poor health care as well as an estimated $115,260 or $2,352 for each year of residency in the state of California between 1971 and 2020 to compensate for over-policing and mass incarceration in African American communities.

It has been nearly 160 years since the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States; however, racial tensions have continued to be an issue in the present time. Since the end of slavery, African Americans have faced adversity in a variety of aspects of life, as the end of slavery was only the beginning of the fight for equality. It is uncertain right now if California will be able to enforce these reparations, especially considering the cost. If these reparations go through, this could lead other states to follow pursuit. This would open up the opportunity for African Americans to receive reparations across the country; however, this would raise financial concerns, as well as create a deeper divide between those who support these types of reparations and those who disapprove. No matter what happens next, as Americans, we should be able to agree that it is time to find a common ground both socially and politically, regardless of race, so we can live in a high-functioning and unified society.