Reparations has long been an issue of contention. In an article published in “The Atlantic” Coates makes arguments in support for reparations, while telling the story of Clyde Ross. Coates major arguments for reparations included the wealth inequality, segregation and racism. Housing and home ownership for African Americans once was extremely limited. Local banks and poorly written government policies permitted segregation and discrimination against African Americans. They were taken advantage of by the system, absence of traditional home loans left African Americans with limited options. Including overpayment for housing while purchasing on contract. Black employee wages were lower than that of white employees and the cost of living was higher for the African Americans. Money was a major contributor to the inequality of the races. Coates argues that America’s wealth was made of the backs of the black slaves. It was the labor that the slaves provided that generated profits for white Americans. Slave trade was yet another means for the white race to increase their wealth off the backs of the African Americans. Closing wealth gaps is a particularly difficult task when the gap in education continues to widen. Segregation of housing and limited educational opportunities contributed to …show more content…
Examples included reparations made by Germany to Israel for their crimes against the Jewish people. “Israel’s GNP tripled during the 12 years of the agreement. The Bank of Israel attributed 15 percent of this growth, along with 45,000 jobs, to investments made with reparations money.” (Coates 10) The historical justification also included Quaker Robert Pleasants who granted his slaves freedom and gave them land and schools as reparation. Edward Coles and John Randolph also released their slaves and gave them land. These actions are the historic basis for Coates call to action for reparations.