Members of Boston’s Reparations Task Force have expressed that the shifting national political climate, particularly the rise of conservatism, has made their work even more crucial. Despite the panel not holding an official meeting for nearly nine months, the members are committed to completing their tasks.
“I’m disappointed, but not demoralized,” said task force Chair Joseph Feaster. “I intend to stay in the struggle. I believe my members of the task force and the city of Boston are committed to seeing this through, and that’s what I intend to assist them in doing.”
Carrie Mays, one of the four Black women on the task force, emphasized the importance of community-based historical work at this critical juncture.
“I do believe that it is up to our community and the efforts in initiatives like this [task force] to preserve history so that we can teach our own children and keep the legacies of our ancestors alive through our own voices,” Mays shared. She also noted that the reparations advocacy will likely align with the broader movement among Black women prioritizing self-care.
