Modest US reparations moves may come

Subject

The US reparations debate.

Significance

In recent weeks, virtually all the leading candidates for the Democratic Party’s 2020 presidential nomination have declared support for legislation that would create a commission to explore the payment of reparations for the descendants of slaves in the United States. The question of reparations will be prominent in the Democratic Party primaries, bringing a formerly fringe issue to the centre of progressive politics.

Impacts

• The Democratic platform will likely include a commitment to establish an exploratory committee on reparations.
• Some Democratic candidates will formulate, and commit to, specific reparative policies.
• Most if not all Democratic candidates will commit to policies seeking social equity for African-Americans.