St. Louis Reparations Commission releases final report with recommendations

Oct 16, 2024 Story by: Editor

ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Reparations Commission has unveiled its final report, addressing the long-standing injustices and the effects of systemic racism on the city’s Black residents, while presenting recommendations aimed at advancing racial equity.

The report covers a range of areas, including neighborhoods, housing, education, public health, and overall well-being.

“The release of this report marks a critical moment for our city,” said Kayla Reed, Chairperson of the Commission, in a news release. “These recommendations offer a path toward healing and justice, addressing generations of systemic racism and economic exclusion. If we implement them, we can begin to close the racial wealth gap and build a St. Louis where every resident has the opportunity to thrive.”

Key recommendations outlined in the report include:

• A formal public apology from the City of St. Louis to acknowledge and take responsibility for historical and systemic harm inflicted upon Black residents.
• Allocating city funds for preserving Black cultural and historical landmarks across St. Louis.
• Providing direct cash payments to individuals who can trace their ancestry to enslaved people.
• Reparations in the form of cash payments of up to $25,000 for communities that have suffered documented harm.
• Initiating programs to reduce barriers to home ownership for Black residents.
• Revitalizing neighborhoods that have been historically underfunded due to systemic racism.
• Establishing community health funds to address disparities in healthcare among Black residents.
• Offering scholarships and educational grants for descendants of enslaved individuals and Black students from historically underserved communities.

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen and the Mayor’s Office are expected to evaluate the recommendations to decide which can be implemented. Source: Fox 2 Now