In a recent MSNBC panel, Eddie S. Glaude Jr., chair of the Department of African American Studies at Princeton University, discussed Mike Bloomberg’s racist policies when he was mayor of New York from 2002 to 2013. Glaude said black people don’t just want an apology, we need to know what Bloomberg’s “reparative justice agenda” is.
It’s so true. I am not falling for that okie-doke, empty apology. Bloomberg’s racist policies harmed and resulted in the deaths of black people, in particular black males. So just apologizing ain’t good enough for me as a black woman with a black husband, black sons and a black grandson.
And black folks in general, especially religious ones, need to stop accepting people just because they say they’re sorry. I only embrace those who have shown me by their actions they are truly sorry for injustices to black people caused by racist policies.
I agree wholeheartedly with Glaude: Show me your “reparative justice agenda” and then maybe we can talk!
Robin Hammonds
Manchester