Proposal for Reparations of African AmericansTeresa BurkDue to the fact that many African-Americans cannot trace their genealogyback more than three generations, It would be extremely difficult to distinguishbetween those who are descended from Freemen and those descended from Slaves. Therefore, although it should have some impact on reparations, we must take intoaccount those who cannot trace their genealogy( approximately 3/4th of African-Americans). We also must remember that in essence, no African-Americans werecompletely free.
Many blacks, Freeman and Slaves alike were lynched, falselyimprisoned, raped, murdered, and subject to sub-human treatment. It is almostimpossible to estimate the economic hardship caused by slavery and the aftermaththat followed. To this day the African-American family still suffers from theaftermath of slavery. We see it in the form of Poverty, under-education,Discrimination, and Black on Black crime. Consider that Blacks are seriouslyunder-represented in many of our nations top fields.
Less than . 05 percent ofAfrican-Americans are CEO’s in corporate America. Blacks are also a rarity inLaw, Medicine, and higher education, What follows is my estimation of thereparations needed. 1st generation descendant of slave: 500,000 of Freeman: 350,000 2ndgeneration descendant of slave: 350,000 of Freeman: 225,000 3rdgeneration descendant of slave: 225,000 of Freeman: 180,000 4th generationdescendant of slave : 180,000 of Freeman: 120,000 5th generationdescendant of slave: 120,000 of Freeman: 90,000 6th generationdescendant of slave: 90,000 of Freeman: 60,000 7th generationdescendant of slave: 60,000 of Freeman: 30,000Additional Moneys. Family member lynched: 60,000 per family Family member raped by slave master:20,000 Family member falsely imprisoned: 6,000It is important to note that in the event that it cannot be determined whether afamily descended from Freemen or Slaves, an average should be taken from the two.
Also, in the event that a generation has no living survivors, that money shallnot be awarded and is not subject to inheritance. As for Moneys for familymenders lynched, raped, or falsely imprisoned, this must be a direct result ofslavery and most be proven beyond a preponderance of the evidence. Therefore, each state shall appoint a committee of six members, at leastthree of them being African-Americans. These committees will be responsible forinvestigating all claims on an individual basis and awarding money. If, forexample, a member of the 3rd generation starts a claim and dies before themoneys are awarded than that money shall be subject to inheritance. Thecommittee will have a period of five years to investigate and award all moneys.
In the event that a family wants to appeal their award or lack there of, theirclaims shall be directed to the State supreme court. The court will have threeyears to render decisions on all claims. In order to ensure the financial stability of the United States, thesepayments shall be made over a period of 15 yrs. However, in the case of personswho have been awarded moneys and are over the age of 55, they will have theoption of taking a discounted lump sum of 40% of the moneys owed.
