I recently learned that the City of Boston formed a Racial Reparations Committee. My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism, marred only by the glaring omission: “Why wasn’t I approached about this?” It’s exactly the kind of institutional oversight that epitomizes the city’s racism, the ignoring of voices that should be central to such a crucial conversation.
My roots may be grounded in South Carolina, in the soil tilled by my forefathers, but I am a Bostonian by birth. I have a perspective that could enrich this dialogue, yet my voice, like those of so many others, was overlooked.
This Reparations Committee raises questions that are as complex as they are necessary. Boston resides in Massachusetts, a state that abolished slavery before the rest of the country followed suit. So what is the focus here? Is it on reparations for those enslaved prior to the state’s abolition, or is the discussion centered around the after-effects that still ripple through our communities today?
Either direction could be valid. The important thing is to have the discussion. But who are the individuals making these decisions? Who sits on this committee? To truly dissect the layered issue of reparations, we must include all perspectives. This isn’t merely a matter of consulting African Americans; Boston is home to a diverse black population that extends beyond those with roots in American slavery. Should reparations be only for black Americans, or is the committee considering all black people in Boston?
One thing is clear: If Boston is sincere in its intentions, the conversation about reparations needs to be inclusive, with every black voice given a chance to weigh in. Whether you hail from the American South, the Caribbean, or the many other places that black Bostonians call their ancestral homes, your perspective is valuable. As for myself, I can’t help but feel that if you’re from Jamaica, or any other part of the black diaspora, your voice too should be part of this discourse.
This committee is a step in the right direction, but it’s just that—a step. If Boston really wants to make amends, it will have to do a lot more than just form a committee. It needs to listen, it needs to learn, and most importantly, it needs to act in a way that makes all its black residents feel seen, heard, and valued. Until then, the city remains what it has always been: a place with a lot to answer for.