Getting to Reparations: How Building a Different America Requires a Reckoning with Our Past
by Dorothy A. Brown
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A bold manifesto arguing that there is a clear precedent for paying reparations to atone for America’s original sin of slavery, offering a compelling legal strategy to achieve this goal—from the acclaimed author of The Whiteness of Wealth. The idea of reparations is not a new or original one; it is one that is baked into American history. When the District of Columbia Emancipation Act of 1862 went into effect, wealthy slaveowners like Margaret Barber were compensated for the loss of their enslaved workers. Barber received $9,000—an equivalent to $250,000 today. When a group of Italian immigrants were lynched in 1892, President Harrison compensated Italy a total of $25,000 for their... The themes explored throughout the book are introduced gradually, allowing readers to absorb them naturally. Rather than overwhelming the audience, the author integrates these ideas into the story’s progression. This subtlety enhances impact. The pacing of the book reflects a careful consideration of reader engagement. Moments of intensity are balanced with quieter scenes that provide context and reflection. This rhythm keeps the story dynamic without becoming overwhelming.
