Reparations Will Bring About Racial Reconciliation

This past Thursday & Friday, I had the honor of covering the Race & Reconciliation in America Conference. It was hosted by former Secretary of Defense Bill Cohen and his wife - actress and playwright - Janet Lanhart Cohen.

The conference was amazing. And, on your behalf we conducted many interviews: Louis Gossett, Jr. ("Fiddler" from Roots), Noel Ignatiev (Author of How the Irish Became White), Peggy McIntosh (scholar on White Privilege), former Secretary of the Army Clifford Alexander, Simeon Wright (Emmitt Till's cousin), and the Cohens. All of them spoke to us about Reparations and the need for Reparations.

Reparations will bring about racial reconciliation. Like the Hon. Marcus Mosiah Garvey stated, we work to "conserve the rights of our Noble Race, while respecting the rights of all mankind, believing always in the brotherhood of man and the Fatherhood of God." Ultimately, we are to be reconciled. And, in order to have true reconciliation we must have truth. But, some "can't handle the truth!"

Yet, truth was the spirit of this conference. And, the Cohens did a great job at starting the discussion. When we analyzed the "Meeting David Wilson" documentary, the downfall was the discussion afterwards. It was far too academic - even the two Davids had that opinion. We need discussions on racial issues, and that discussion must be at the level of the community.

At the Race and Reconciliation Forum, people were very open. Discussions became intense at times, but were always conducted in love. It was a great step - but it must be carried forward. Follow up is crucial if any true headway is to be made.

This is just an intro post. In the days and weeks to come, we will dissect these interviews and observations to give you more insight. So, brace yourself - there were some very surprising comments on reparations...all leading to one conclusion.

Reparations will bring about racial reconciliation. But, that will only happen if we have honest discussions about the rift. What do you think needs to be discussed? What topics need to be addressed? You can post your comments here or in our group.

Come and Get Your Reparations!