We could give you a quick quiz about reparations to assess your understanding of their dimensions, but we will spare you … and offer you a solution. We invite you to hear reparations experts share their insights on Sept. 15 and 22 at the First United Church of Oak Park.
Reparations has clearly surfaced in Oak Park, and now its supporters face several options. Should reparations provide financial assistance to individual African Americans? Or to educational institutions that might reduce conflict among races? Are underprivileged Black citizens the more deserving (e.g., renters rather than homeowners)? Will funding come from existing taxes or new ones? Is this a once-in-a-lifetime initiative or ongoing? Will the village likely end up in court defending against legal challenges?
An independent task force of multiracial citizens has concluded its research and recently “asked” the Oak Park Village Board to act. The first proposed action includes an “official apology” to Black residents for the harms that the local government caused the Black community. Also, a “Restorative Justice Fund and Foundation” would be funded with $250,000 annually (50% of all affordable-housing taxes imposed on developments greater than 25 apartments) and $350,000 in start-up funds. Finally, the village would acquire the Percy Julian home (up to $1 million market value) and convert it into a Black Inter-Cultural Center.
As the village board prepares to act, First United Church has recruited an impressive roster of experienced leaders for two forums on Reparations in Oak Park.
- On Sept. 15, the speakers are Nancy Alexander, chair of the Oak Park Reparations Task Force, and Robin Rue Simmons, the Evanston leader most influential in the creation of that town’s program, the first of its kind in the country.
- On Sept. 22, the participants are Susan Buchanan, currently the longest-serving village trustee, and Eric Samore, a law partner at Amundsen Davis.
All are welcome at 9:45 a.m. on the next two Sundays, Sept. 15 and 22, at First United Church of Oak Park (848 Lake St.).
Your reparations IQ can only improve, and you will be equipped to contribute to an important community decision.
Marsha Hubbuch, Jaymi Raad and Dale Sorenson
Adult Education team at First United
Residents of Oak Park/River Forest