Seven Billion Reasons for Reparations

Abstract

This article recounts the origins and history of the Freedmen's Bank (1865–1874), providing an important reminder of the lingering injustices we must address lest they continue to repeat themselves. Rooted in documented and recorded Black financial losses, I suggest that the Freedmen's Bank offers a necessary platform for Black reparations. Shifting the reparations focus to the Freedmen's Bank, I conclude my discussion by outlining the fruitful reparations platform this historical episode affords.