Reparations for Black Americans: Legal Issues and Strategies

There is more discussion and momentum now around the issue of reparations for Black Americans than ever before in U.S. history. This raises a set of important questions: What forms can reparations take? What other reparations have been made already in the U.S. and internationally? What are the strongest legal, political, and policy arguments in support of and against reparations for Black Americans? What would real reparations for Black Americans look like?

We will examine these questions through various lenses, including academic and popular writings, court documents, task force reports, guest presenters, and Pay The Tab podcast episodes. We will explore the United States’ racialized history, the devastating costs of slavery and its aftermath, and the lasting legacy of white supremacy. The course will culminate with group presentations of creative proposals for actualizing reparations.

All backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are welcomed and valued.