SAN FRANCISCO -- Amidst America’s racial reckoning following a string of police murders and subsequent cries for justice, over 50,000 Americans have banded together to voice their support for reparations. Democracy in Color, Daily Kos, and other progressive organizations penned a petition urging Congress to support HR 40 with widespread support.
“It’s time for Congressional Democrats to respond to this moment of racial reckoning,” said Democracy in Color Founder Steve Phillips. “Black Americans deserve reparations now, and that starts with HR 40. Despite the most widespread social movement in history, Congressional Democrats have yet to provide meaningful action on this crucial issue.” HR 40 would establish a commission to study the effects of slavery and ongoing discrimination on Black Americans, and explore remedies including reparations, has been introduced in the House for 41 years. People from across the country are voicing their support for such a commission. The petition reads: It is time for Congress to prove that Black Lives Matter by passing legislation to begin to address the economic consequences of slavery and racial discrimination and to develop proposals for redress, including reparations. Nearly 100 Democrats have still failed to sign on to HR 40, including many members of the progressive caucus members and Democrats whose districts Hillary Clinton won by over 10 points. See a full list of sponsors, and members falling short. Read Steve Phillips’ recent Nation article, “This Is the Perfect Moment to Push for Reparations”. |
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