Reparations Roundup: October 2024

Lawmakers across the country are proposing reparations to black Americans for slavery and America’s history of racial discrimination. Proposals have included direct cash payments, grants, formal apologies from the government, and government programs with race-based eligibility. 

Because certain reparations proposals would inevitably advantage and disadvantage individuals based on their race and ancestry—in violation of the Constitution—PLF is tracking the development of these policies at state and local levels. See last month’s roundup here. 

Here is what has happened this past month: 

Amherst Postpones 

This month, Amherst, Massachusetts, was poised to vote on a motion to create the reparations committee recommendations released last fall. However, the Town Council postponed voting on the motion. 

The committee would be charged with reviewing proposals for disbursing up to $100,000 annually to promote efforts such as housing and homeownership, youth center programming, and entrepreneurial skill instruction—but intended to predominantly support residents of African heritage. 

Alameda Relents 

As we noted in July, Alameda County’s reparations task force failed to complete its charge and asked for a two-year extension and $5 million in funding—its initial funding allocation was $51,000. The County relented, granting the two-year extension, but allocating only $92,340 to the task force over the two years. 

Boston Disburses $70,000 

Boston’s Reparations Task Force announced recipients of 26 contracts and grants through its Community Grassroots Partnerships Program. The awards appear largely to fund meetings intended to further advocate for more reparations. 

Detroit Still Seeks Community Input 

Detroit’s Reparations Task Force released a survey this summer to solicit public input for its final report, which received an extension until March 2025. The survey is still open to collect public comment. 

If you are interested in becoming a PLF client, fill out our submit a case form. All representation is free of charge.