Diversity On the Backs of Black and Brown People: A Continuing Case For Reparations

"But on that day the pieces all came together succinctly in my head and I realized that unconsciously the White Evanston Lifer was inviting my new friend to help prop up her ideal reality, not truly be part of it.

Black and Brown people of Evanston sure are generous to enrich the lives of White Evanston while carrying our own laden burdens. This conclusion also helped me realize something critical, reparations is not just repayment for past deeds, but for current emotional labors demanded."

An excellent essay by Evanston resident and antiracist activist Karla Thomas. Read her full essay here.

We white Evanstonians can not for one more minute tout our diversity without putting our money where our mouth is. It's far past time to support local reparations to our Black community.

Thanks to the work of Robin Rue Simmons 5th Ward Alderman and Evanston's Equity and Empowerment Commission chaired by Jane Grover, aldermen approved on Monday reparations recommendations--an important first step to begin addressing wealth and opportunity gaps that have affected Evanston's Black residents for many decades.

Get involved: your ideas, your work, your connections, your power ... your money ... matters! To keep up with others involved in this effort, join Evanston Reparations/Solutions Only.