First Cash Reparations in the US
Ask students: What are some steps that communities can take to actively combat and attempt to eliminate racism in society?
Summary
In 2019, Evanston, Illinois, passed the first reparations law in American history. It set out to address decades of segregation and legalizing housing discrimination. Economics Correspondent Paul Solman recently visited the Chicago suburb to follow up on the program. It’s part of our series, Race Matters.
For a transcript of this story, click here.
News wrap alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
Five Facts
- Who is Lou Weathers?
- What percent of Evanston is made up by the Black community?
- When should we expect reparations to become more common, according to Weathers?
- Where did Evanston have a side event presenting their proposed model for reparations?
- Why are reparations important?
- How many localities have taken a step towards reparations?
Focus Questions
What are some steps that communities can take to actively combat and attempt to eliminate racism in society?
News analysis: How do you think news platforms can better spread a message of equality?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?
For More
What students can do: Discuss with a friend, neighbor or classmate — what actions can we take personally to combat racism?
Student Video of the Day (January 7, 2020)
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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