Patterson: Why Delaware needs reparations

Monetary reparations, coupled with transformative policies, are not simply an act of atonement; they are the key to unlocking Delaware’s full economic potential and building a more just future for all.”

Joshua Patterson is a former professor of chemistry at Delaware State University.

In the hushed corridors of American history, the shackles of slavery still echo. The echoes aren’t just whispers of a bygone era; they are the very foundation upon which racial economic disparities stand. Dr. Samuel B. Hoff’s Opinion (written during Black History Month of all times) argues that reparations for slavery are an impractical solution (“Regarding slavery reparations, repay with principles, policies"). This dismissal, however, rings hollow when we consider the enduring economic stranglehold placed on Black communities in Delaware, a state deeply entangled with the brutal machinery of the slave trade. Monetary reparations, coupled with transformative policies, are not simply an act of atonement; they are the key to unlocking Delaware’s full economic potential and building a more just future for all.

Consider the following:

• Generational theft — Slavery wasn’t just about stolen labor; it was about stolen lives, stolen families and stolen futures. Black families were denied the opportunity to build wealth through landownership and inheritance. Educational opportunities were nonexistent, and discriminatory practices have persisted for generations, hindering Black economic progress. This systemic plunder has had a profound impact on Black wealth accumulation, creating a racial wealth gap that persists to this day.
• The Delaware paradox — Delaware, while geographically small, played an outsized role in the early American economy. Its shipyards churned out vessels that transported countless souls into bondage. The wealth generated by this brutal trade fueled Delaware’s prosperity, yet Black residents were systematically excluded from sharing in this bounty. Delaware’s creation of a task force to study reparations in 2022 suggests a nascent recognition of this paradox. However, studies and apologies are not enough.
• Beyond symbolic gestures — Monetary reparations are a crucial first step toward evening the economic playing field. Imagine the transformative power of financial resources directed toward Black communities in Delaware. Funds could be used to invest in Black-owned businesses, create scholarships for Black students and provide down payment assistance for Black homeowners. These investments would not only empower Black families but also generate economic activity that benefits the entire state.

Opponents of reparations often cite the difficulty of calculating the exact amount owed. But this misses the point. The debt is not simply financial; it’s a moral one. Reparations are a tangible recognition of the historical injustice and a commitment to building a more equitable future.

An investment in Delaware’s future

Reparations, coupled with policy changes that address racial disparities in housing, education and criminal justice, can unleash the full potential of Black communities in Delaware. A thriving Black middle class is not just a social good; it’s a sound economic investment. Studies have shown that closing the racial wealth gap would lead to significant growth in the national gross domestic product. The same principle applies at the state level. By dismantling the barriers that hold Black communities back, Delaware can unlock a new era of economic prosperity that benefits all residents.

Dr. Hoff’s piece portrays reparations as a handout, a burden on society. But the truth is far more complex. Reparations are an investment in healing, justice and a brighter future for Delaware. It’s time to move beyond tired arguments and embrace the opportunity to build a more equitable and prosperous state for all.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.