Reparations for Black Americans: Radical or Routine?

Description

Associated Program:
John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum
Speakers:
Cornell William Brooks
Linda Bilmes
Deborah D. Douglas

The United States government has a long history of providing compensation to Americans who have experienced harm. Why then are reparations to Black Americans for slavery-related and racial harms considered so controversial? In a groundbreaking study, Professor Linda J. Bilmes (AB '80 MBA '84) and Professor Cornell William Brooks present how government-provided reparations are the norm, and argue that the U.S government has both a fiscal and moral responsibility to compensate Black Americans for centuries of interlocking injustices.  
 
Join us on Friday, February 18 at 4:00 PM ET in the JFK Jr. Forum for a presentation and discussion with Professor Linda J. Bilmes and Professor Cornell William Brooks, moderated by Deborah D. Douglas, Co-editor in Chief at The Emancipator.

Please click here to RSVP.

Please register by 12:00 PM ET on Wednesday, February 16 if you would like the possibility of attending this event in-person. Registrants will be notified by 5:00 PM ET that day if a seat is available for them in the venue. If a seat is not available, registrants can stream the event live via our social media channels.

If you receive a seat in the venue but can no longer attend, we ask that you notify us by emailing harvardiop@gmail.com so that space can be made for another registrant.

The Institute of Politics will be strictly observing all HKS COVID health and safety protocols, including vaccination, testing, and quarantine guidelines. HKS buildings including the Forum are closed to people without a Harvard ID and attendance will be limited to the 100-person posted room capacity. RSVPs are required for in-person attendance. Masks must be worn at all times, except for quick sips of beverages. Food will not be allowed in the venue.