Reparations debate

Mending the past,
forging the future

What does it mean for a society to atone for systemic and enduring harms? California is the first U.S. state to propose reparations for many Black residents. Communities across the country are watching closely. But questions of restoration and reconciliation aren’t exclusive to Black Americans – or to the United States. This special series explores efforts around the world to seek justice and restitution for communities subjected to historical harms.

German reparations for Holocaust reveal complexities of atonement

Focus

France won’t apologize to Algeria for war. Enter the French people.

Focus

‘The money is a token.’ Why Namibia’s peoples feel ignored by reparations.

Slavery made their ancestors wealthy. Now they’re making amends.

What are reparations for? In Brazil Amazon community, its culture.

Reparations in California: What can lawmakers achieve?

When $1 billion isn’t enough. Why the Sioux won’t put a price on land.

What is an apology without justice?

How Barbados became a leader in Caribbean calls for reparations

What does it mean to craft a ‘lifestyle of repair’?

‘Not nameless’: Bringing the lives of those enslaved to light

Can California right long-past wrongs? This panel says yes.