Vice President Kamala Harris has indicated her openness to the idea of reparations for Black Americans, suggesting she may consider executive action if she becomes president.
Speaking to the National Association of Black Journalists on Tuesday, Harris was questioned about her stance on reparations, a topic often championed by Black Lives Matter activists and progressive factions within the Democratic Party.
Politico’s Eugene Daniels asked Harris whether she believed reparations should be pursued through an executive order or congressional action. Harris replied:
“I think Congress ultimately has the ability to do this work. I’m not discounting the importance of any executive action, but, ultimately, Congress — because if you’re going to talk about it in any substantial way, there will be hearings, there will be a level of public education and dialogue. That was part of the spirit behind the congressional actions thus far — to ensure everyone can participate in this conversation in a way that elevates knowledge about history. Especially when some leaders are denying history and claiming enslaved people benefitted from slavery. Let’s talk about the work that needs to be done — it’s profound.”
In a desperate attempt to win over the black votes, democrats have lost due to migration and pure neglect of the black community as a whole.
Kamala Harris is making another broken promise. Reparations… pic.twitter.com/bRGxjmS59g
— We The Memes (@MericanMemes) September 17, 2024
Harris’ remarks have drawn attention as the Democratic Party works to regain support from Black voters, a key demographic that has seen some disillusionment due to issues like immigration and perceived neglect.
Critics have framed Harris’ statements as another unfulfilled promise, similar to those made in the past.
This isn’t the first time Harris has voiced support for reparations. During her 2020 presidential run, she told civil rights leader Al Sharpton that she would support a bill to establish a commission to study reparations for African Americans.
“When I am elected president, I will sign that bill,” Harris said at the time.
The conversation around reparations gained attention when San Francisco proposed bold measures, including $5 million payments per Black resident, a guaranteed income of $90,000 per year, and free housing.
There are 41.6 million blacks in America, so $14 trillion in reparations would work out at $336538 per person.
Yet that is still peanuts compared to San Francisco, which plans to give everyone who "identifies" as black $5 million + $90k a year.
Good work if you can get it! pic.twitter.com/JGvpyxsHK3
— Ben Kew (@ben_kew) January 18, 2024
With 41.6 million Black Americans, the total cost of national reparations could reach $14 trillion, amounting to $336,538 per person.
Despite the high figures, Harris and her allies continue to push for reparations, viewing them as a critical step in addressing the legacy of slavery.
The debate, however, remains highly divisive, with questions about feasibility, fairness, and broader political implications.
