(Photo - Aftermath of a riot in San Francisco which police shot at the feet of rioters after a fire bomb was thrown. Nine people were injured but there were no fatalities when taking place in 1966.)
San Francisco's Board of Supervisors issued a unanimous apology to African Americans for the city's historical role in perpetuating racism and discrimination. Supervisor Shamann Walton emphasized the need for rectification and redress of past injustices.
“This historic resolution apologizes on behalf of San Francisco to the African American community and their descendants for decades of systemic and structural discrimination, targeted acts of violence, atrocities,” said Supervisor Shamann Walton, “as well as committing to the rectification and redress of past policies and misdeeds.”
While the apology marks a significant step, it's seen as just the beginning of reparations efforts. The proposal includes a $5 million lump-sum payment and guaranteed income to address the racial wealth gap. However, concrete actions on these proposals have yet to materialize. Some supervisors criticized city policies that could harm Black residents, highlighting the need for a commitment to avoid repeating harms.
The apology acknowledges past wrongs, including redlining and neighborhood displacement, which have contributed to disparities in housing and homelessness. California's previous efforts on reparations are referenced, but advocates stress the urgency of implementing policy changes to address current inequities in healthcare, education, and employment.
This resolution also signifies a crucial acknowledgment of historical injustices, but advocates emphasize the importance of tangible reparations to address ongoing disparities faced by Black communities in San Francisco.
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Link: NBCNews