Unfinished Business: The Urgent Call for Reparations and Political Reciprocity

Biden to Black Voters 2020: ‘You’ve always had my back and I’ll have yours’

It’s 2024. Tangibles in the form of owned reparations, police reform,
affordable housing, home ownership, and small business loans are among the greatest concerns for black Americans who are descendants of our country’s slavery. But, neither the democratic party nor the republican parties are supportive of actually making strides in closing the wealth gap caused by decades of governmental and institutional racism that persists to this day.

When asked over generations for reparations, the response has been, “where will the money come from”? This while the American government has in 2023 helped to fund a Russia/Ukrainian and Israel/Palestinian wars to the tune of billions. They then also began flooding America with more that 2.5 million illegal aliens with financial support, including housing, transportation, medical services, and jobs in key cities like New York and Chicago. The majority of these aliens being placed in black neighborhoods where they are already suffering from lack of resources, such as the closing of much needed schools in those communities.

American Dream for 2.5 Million Illegals. Not For Descendants of Slavery Who Built Our Country for Free

As we navigate the political landscape of 2024, it becomes increasingly apparent that the promises of the American Dream remain elusive for many, particularly the Black community. The narrative encompasses both the legacy of institutional racism and the evolving dynamics of political reciprocity. Against the backdrop of these issues, President Joe Biden finds himself at the center of a nuanced discussion regarding his commitment to Black voters and the critical matter of reparations.

Biden’s Electoral Debt to Black Voters

The journey begins with the 2020 election, where Joe Biden secured victory, owing a significant portion of his success to the unwavering support of Black voters. The pivotal moment unfolded in South Carolina’s primary, propelled by a unified Black electorate and the influential endorsement of Rep. Jim Clyburn. This support continued through the general election, delivering Biden a win over Donald Trump, thanks to a slice of voters deeply hostile to the incumbent.

However, the loyalty of Black voters, once seemingly unwavering, is showing signs of shifting. Recent polling indicates a decline in Biden’s favorability among Black voters, dropping from 84% at the start of his term in 2021 to 74% in March 2023. This shift, while seemingly marginal, becomes significant in the context of political microtrends that have the potential to reshape electoral outcomes.

The Democratic Dilemma: Navigating Black Voter Concerns

Quiet murmurs within Democratic circles suggest a growing need for Biden to solidify his position with Black voters. Despite overall Democratic support wavering, Biden’s connection with the Black community remains relatively stronger. Yet, the diminishing favorability underscores the fragility of this relationship.

As we delve into the broader concerns of the African American community in 2024, it becomes evident that tangible issues such as reparations, police reform, affordable housing, home ownership, and small business loans top the list. These are not abstract desires but concrete demands aimed at closing the enduring wealth gap perpetuated by centuries of institutional racism.

Reparations: A Moral Imperative Ignored

The conversation on reparations gains renewed urgency. The historical injustices of slavery, followed by decades of discriminatory policies, have contributed to a staggering racial wealth gap. A 2020 Brookings Institute article passionately argues for reparations, presenting a compelling case for addressing economic disparities resulting from the legacy of slavery.

The article traces missed opportunities in American history, from the broken promises of 40 acres and a mule after the Civil War to the exclusions in the New Deal policies of the 1930s. It calls for a comprehensive reparations package, encompassing individual payments, college tuition, student loan forgiveness, down payment and housing revitalization grants, and business grants tailored to address specific facets of the racial wealth gap.

Biden’s Role in Reparations: A Critical Examination

The question arises: Where does Joe Biden stand on the issue of reparations? While the President made strides in diversity representation, including nominating a Black woman as a running mate and placing one on the Supreme Court, the Brookings article underscores the need for comprehensive action. Biden’s attempts to pass a comprehensive voting rights measure and control gun violence face obstacles, leaving his record on race open to debate.

The President’s political savvy is evident in his efforts to connect with the Black community. Photo ops with Black lawmakers, Cabinet-level travels focused on outreach to Black communities, and a commitment to building a diverse and inclusive team around him—all these elements underscore Biden’s understanding of the importance of Black voters.

Connecting the Dots: Biden’s Political Reciprocity and Reparations

As we weave these threads together, a narrative emerges—one that prompts reflection on political reciprocity. The Democratic Party, with Biden at its helm, owes a debt to Black voters, a debt that transcends electoral victories. The call for reparations is not just a policy proposal; it’s a moral imperative to rectify historical injustices and address the structural barriers that impede economic progress for the Black community.

In the complex dance of politics, Biden’s fate in the 2024 election hinges not just on general favorability but on his ability to navigate the nuanced concerns of Black voters. The shift in polling, while statistically marginal, cannot be dismissed. In the mosaic of electoral politics, even the slightest gradation matters.

Conclusion: A Nation at a Crossroads

As we stand at this political crossroads, the urgency for reparations intertwines with Biden’s political fate. The Democratic Party’s commitment to Black voters is not just a matter of electoral strategy but a litmus test for the nation’s moral compass. The question that lingers in the air is whether the promises of political reciprocity will materialize into tangible actions, bridging the gap between historical injustices and a future where the American Dream truly becomes a reality for all.