(Washington Examiner) While San Francisco considers $5 million in reparations for black residents, a much smaller program run by a liberal Chicago suburb should serve as a warning sign of what is to come.
Evanston, home to Northwestern University, started its own reparations program in 2021, not specifically for the descendants of slaves but for people who fell into certain categories.
“To qualify for the program, applicants must fall within one of three categories: Black residents who lived in Evanston between 1919 and 1969 (referred to as ‘Ancestors’); direct descendants of an Ancestor; or residents who submitted evidence of experiencing housing discrimination after 1969,” the Daily Northwestern explains.
But the small program has run into trouble already: Only 16 residents, who fall into the “Ancestors” category, have received the $25,000. The money, which can only be used for housing-related expenses such as mortgage payments or home renovations, was supposed to be fully funded by a tax on cannabis sales. That fell through, leaving the government welfare program underfunded.
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Other applicants remain upset that their free $25,000 has not come through fast enough. “[W]hen are they going to distribute [the money?]” one resident asked.
Another said the money does not go far enough. “Reparations means to repair. It would mean to address every aspect of life — education, legal, entertainment, sports, agriculture,” resident Bruce King said.
Two recipients are also caught between a rock and a hard place: If they take this $25,000 in city welfare, it may disqualify them from free money from the state.
“They’re receiving state aid,” an assistant city manager said . “And if they were to take the grant, I think they’ll become ineligible from the aid they’re receiving.”
