REPARATIONS

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In his commentary, "Reparations: Keep the Original Promise,” (Aug. 14 2017), Jarrette Fellows Jr. claimed that “The US government hasn't even so much as broached an official apology for the denigration and despair of slavery, much less recompense to the descendants of the enslaved.” It is a bit of a concern for me. The article further goes on to speak about reparations for Black Americans, that their ancestors were slaves and how it should be distributed because according to the commentary, “Slavery provided undergird to early America."

 

The piece states that "slaves, who toiled for hours daily over the span of 244 years, mainly picking cotton, gave rise to the American textile industry valued at $343.70 billion in 2023. They were never compensated one penny for their labor.” Which is true. Except for the fact, according to an earlier statement in the article, America doesn’t want to acknowledge its terrible history of slavery and how it impacts even people who weren’t descendants of slaves in America.

 

I don’t understand how people who aren’t ready to acknowledge the fact that they were wrong, are able to make reparations. Secondly, not trying to sound like that person, but Black Americans weren’t the only slaves according to Brown.edu. “While natives had been forced into slavery and servitude as early as 1636, it was not until King Philip’s War that natives were enslaved in large numbers.” Are we going to have reparations for them too?

 

America needs to acknowledge her mistakes, teach her people what wrongs they’ve done, and stop trying to cover it up by saying no teaching of Critical Race Theory. It really should say "facts," not theory.

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Ernestina Anyaeto

wwwernestinaanyauzo@gmail.com

 

 

RACE FOR PEACE

 

Violence throughout America needs to stop. 

 

The Race for Peace Committee is a nonprofit organization formed to reinforce the lives of residents in all communities through programs, resources, and activities for the family, and to reach an understanding between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

 

The main goals are ongoing and continuous dialogue with communities and the police, mentoring the youth, police and seniors; developing incentive programs that will help promote peace; annually visiting prisons, to end violence and bring peace to all communities in our region and our country, to bring peace and harmonious relations between police and members of communities, and to promote excellence in police officer training.  

 

For more information visit website raceforpeace.org. 

 

Alim Howell

Race for Peace Community Activist/Advocate 

Philadelphia, PA

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WHAT'S GOING ON IN COMPTON?   

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I went to sleep mad and woke up pissed at Compton leadership. You really show up to these public events to shake hands and smile in folks' faces knowing full well your grade is a solid F.

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Look around the city. Take a drive. Y'all don't see this s---? Trash, graffiti, street takeovers, empty buildings, homelessness, crime, waste... . Serving on a Council that reflects this poorly is nota flex. Don't run again. Have a conscience. Find something else to do because this ain't it. I don't want to see your faces in my mailbox or on my door promising this, that, and the other.

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We pay hella taxes to live uncomfortably. Did you also forget that we are still being held hostage by violence here? Kids getting robbed on the way home from school and coming up missing.

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With the exception of Councilman Bowers and Treasurer Mims, [I don't know] you guys do with your time all day. Please, give us the gift of this being your last term. You're an embarrassment!

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Tia Walker

Compton, CA

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My reference is the Compton City Council Agenda (July 26, 2022) Agenda items 20-25. As well as the videotape of the discussion and vote.

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Pro : Even year elections will be a cost saving measure to the Compton taxpayer. The cost of the election will be split among participants running elections. As it stands now, Compton votes on an odd year election cycle, so we are liable for the entire election fee; which can be upwards of $400,000 depending on how many items are placed on the ballot. This may also increase voter turnout since we will be voting during state, and national elections, hopefully creating some local interest.

 

Con: If placed on the November ballot, this change to the City Charter will allow the current elected officials to remain in office longer while the city transitions into the new even-year cycle.

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Guilda Bluford

Compton, CA

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I want to mention something about the spirituality debate in America right now. You don't believe in God? Fine. I'm not one to judge, because I'm not the judge.

 

Why is it so important for some to mock those of us that do? If we're wrong, what have we lost when we die? Nothing! How does our believing in Jesus Christ bring any harm? You think it makes me stupid? Gullible? Fine. How does that affect you? I would rather live my life believing in God and serving Him, and find out I was right, than not believing in Him and not serve Him, and find out I was wrong. Then it's too late.

 

There's no shame in my game! I believe in Jesus Christ. He said, "But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 10:33). HE'S COMING BACK...greatest man in history had no servants, yet they called him Master; had no degree, yet they called him Teacher; had no medicines, yet they called him Healer; had no army, yet kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world. He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him. He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today. His name is Jesus Christ.

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Jacqueline Venters 

Compton, CA