From Here to Equality, Second Edition: Reparations for Black Americans in the Twenty-First Century

Racial discrimination and racism have limited economic opportunities for African Americans, and despite significant historical moments, they have not led to economic justice and fairness. Systematic inequality persists in housing discrimination, education, police brutality, mass incarceration, employment discrimination, and wealth and opportunity gaps. This book makes a compelling case for economic reparations for U.S. descendants of slavery, linking monetary values to historical wrongs and offering a roadmap for an effective program, including a substantial payment to each documented black descendant of slavery.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 424 pages
Publication date: 20 September 2022
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press

Racism and discrimination have posed significant barriers to economic opportunity for African Americans throughout history. At pivotal moments, the course of racial inequality could have undergone a transformative shift. However, Reconstruction, the New Deal, and the civil rights movement failed to establish an economically just and equitable nation. Systematic inequality persists today in various forms, including housing discrimination, unequal education, police brutality, mass incarceration, employment discrimination, and significant wealth and opportunity gaps. Economic data reveals that for every dollar of wealth held by the average white household, the average black household possesses only ten cents.

In his compelling and meticulously researched book, William Darity Jr. and A. Kirsten Mullen present a compelling argument for economic reparations for U.S. descendants of slavery. Through innovative methods that assign monetary values to historical wrongs, they assess the literal and figurative costs of justice denied over the past 155 years since the end of the Civil War. The authors offer a comprehensive roadmap for an effective reparations program, including a substantial payment to each documented U.S. black descendant of slavery. This updated edition includes a new foreword that addresses recent developments at the local, state, and federal levels and considers the current prospects for a comprehensive reparations program.

The book highlights the devastating impact of slavery and its legacy on African American communities. It underscores the need for redress and healing, recognizing that economic reparations are not just about compensating individuals but about addressing the systemic inequalities that have persisted for generations. The authors argue that economic reparations are not only a moral obligation but also a crucial step toward promoting social and economic equality.

Furthermore, the book provides a detailed account of the historical and legal framework for reparations. It explores the concept of reparations as a form of restorative justice, which aims to address the harm caused by past injustices and promote healing and reconciliation. The authors argue that reparations can take various forms, including direct payments, education and training programs, healthcare access, and land restoration.

The book also addresses the challenges and criticisms associated with reparations. Some argue that it is unfair to burden current generations with the debts of past generations, while others question the feasibility and effectiveness of such a program. The authors respond to these concerns by highlighting the historical and moral significance of reparations and by proposing a framework that ensures accountability and transparency in the distribution of funds.

Overall, "The Case for Reparations" is a seminal work that sheds light on the economic injustices faced by African Americans and presents a compelling argument for economic reparations. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the history of racial inequality and the ongoing challenges faced by African American communities. By advocating for economic reparations, we can work towards a more just and equitable society where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive and achieve their full potential.

Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781469671208
Edition number: 2 Revised edition