Should slave descendants get reparations in Georgia?
ATLANTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - According to the U.S. Census, Atlanta is the top city with the largest wealth disparity between white and Black families. Lawmakers called the legislative session a missed opportunity to bridge a divide that started centuries ago.
The Georgia Black Caucus sponsored HB 955 which would create the Georgia Equity and Fairness Commission. A board made up of civil and human rights leaders as well as lawmakers would study the impact of slavery on the state’s economy and look for monetary compensation either from the state’s $16 billion surplus or corporate dollars.
Their request for a hearing was denied. City and county governments including Fulton County have created task force programs. Robertson said lawmakers need a statewide approach.
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ance Robertson is the executive director of the Black City Councilmen of Georgia. He penned a letter to Lt. Gov. Burt Jones asking him to the bill. His letter cited data from the 1860 Census. Data shows nearly half of the state’s population were enslaved. Robertson said slaves as young as 5 years old contributed to Georgia’s economy and their descendants deserve to be paid for their labor-
“It has been over 26 decades of uncompensated wages of our ancestors working day in and day out. We’re still on the sideline waiting our turn, how long do we need to be on the sideline,” said Robertson.
“It could be in college, education, healthcare, property, once upon a time we had 40 acres and a mule but it came up short, we’re still looking for our mule, we’re still looking for our 40 acres,” said Robertson.
The bill’s sponsor, Democrat Representative Roger Bruce, announced he won’t run for reelection. Another lawmaker could carry the bill.
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