The Economic Benefits of Slavery Reparations

According to Rachel Looker and Phillip M. Bailey in Republicans Silent As Tuberville's Racist Remarks on Reparations Spark Outrage, slavery reparations should be implemented because of the lasting impacts of slavery on Black Americans, the economic benefits of slavery reparations, and the moral obligation to right past wrongs. The median net worth of white households is ten times higher than black households, which is largely attributed to the economic deprivation caused by slavery and its aftermath. In addition, African Americans are 10 times less likely to inherit wealth, and 93% of African Americans have not inherited any wealth from slavery. Furthermore, the psychological and emotional toll of slavery cannot be ignored, as African Americans have suffered mental health issues due to the trauma inflicted by slavery, including Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome (PTSS). These irreparable harms should be met with the moral imperative of reparations for the African American community, a responsibility and obligation of the nation to address the wrongs of the past and help correct the deep economic and psychological inequalities that remain today. (Looker & Bailey, Republicans Silent As Tuberville's Racist Remarks on Reparations Spark Outrage).