St. Paul Passes Resolution to Create Slavery Reparations Commission
Reg Chapman, WCCO, January 13, 2021
The St. Paul City Council passed a resolution Wednesday to create a commission looking into reparations to African Americans for slavery.
The capitol city joins other organizations calling for change from the disparities created by historical inequities between Whites and Blacks.
It starts with an apology for historic wrongs, like the enslavement of people at Fort Snelling — including Dred Scott. {snip}
The council voted to start official talks about reparations.
“One of the first things we’re doing by way of this resolution is apologizing for American slavery, and the way in which our state and city have benefited from it,” said City Councilmember Jane Prince.
She says the resolution also allows for the forming of the St. Paul Recovery Act Community Reparations Commission. It will advise the city on long-term investments to eliminate the disparities that exist between Whites and Blacks.
{snip}
In a statement, Mayor Melvin Carter says every institution that has systematically enforced, sanctioned or profited from the evil of slavery must participate fully in this work.
{snip} There has been no discussion about cash payments to individuals, but both Prince and Crews say they’re not taking it off the table.
