Why I voted against Evanston’s reparations program
I am a fifth-generation Evanstonian whose family has withstood systemic racism for more than 100 years. I agree that reparations for Black Evanstonians and Black Americans are long overdue, and fully support them — for my own family and countless families across this country.
But make no mistake. What was lauded recently across the nation as a “landmark” reparations program approved by the Evanston City Council was nothing more than a housing plan dressed up as reparations. The plan passed by a vote of 8-1. I was the one lone dissenting vote. I voted against the program because it is an insult to the definition of true reparations, wherein the people dictate its terms to power, not the other way around.
Contrary to the sacred intentions of reparations, the Evanston resolution dictates to Black residents what they need and how they will receive what they need. This isn’t change that can be a beacon for the nation.
It is a dim, weak light. As Chicago Tribune columnist Dahleen Glanton wrote in her March 25 column, “It is mostly a symbolic gesture with little of the substance the reparations movement hoped for.” And I believe it will be a travesty for Black communities around the U.S. if it becomes our model going forward.
I made my decision after hearing from many Black Evanstonians. This was my reasoning, on my and their behalf:
1. Although Evanston is one of the first municipalities to attempt local reparative efforts, it went against historical frameworks for reparative compensation by denying Black families cash payments and the opportunity to decide how to manage their own repair. This is a prime example of white paternalism deciding that Black folks are unable to manage their own monies.
2. The proposal was rushed to a vote just ahead of an election, even though the resolution was just published last week. We, as Black folks, have waited hundreds of years for our just due. Why couldn’t those in power wait a bit longer to allow time for the concerns of many to be heard and resolved prior to moving forward?
3. The proposal lacks details and longterm, intentional thinking. Yes, the city intends to raise and allocate $10 million in total for reparations, but thus far that money is nothing more than an empty promise — and the Black community knows all about them. Claiming the initial $400,000, approved to support housing for just 16 families, is “the first of many initiatives” is disingenuous. There’s been no feasibility study and there is no groundwork for future reparative options. Evanston’s government is basically asking Black people to “trust us ... more is coming,” when government has not yet earned their trust.
Rather, we have prioritized so-called progressives’ interests in looking virtuous rather than reversing the harm done to Black people for generations. This is the definition of the systemic racism our efforts are meant to combat. The actual result will be further marginalization of Black autonomy, opinion and intellect. Here is what we need to do instead:
▪ Go back to the people. We need to hear from the community (for more than just one night) and allow Black Evanstonians to tell us what they want.
▪ Reflect on the healing that reparations symbolize and put some careful, creative and intentional work into this effort. Think bigger. If the nation’s eyes are on us, give the nation something genuinely inspiring to see.
▪ Respect the people and follow their lead.
If we really are going to be as good as our word, we owe it to Black Evanstonians to develop a plan that is clear, fair, data-based and truly addresses racialized harm, marginalization and discrimination. It is through this truth-telling and deliberate work that we can bring our community together.
I voted “no” as an obligation to my ancestors, my Black family across the nation and my own family in Evanston. I promise to vote “yes” on the day that power in Evanston overwhelmingly supports real reparations and true autonomy for Black people.