Danny Glover says reparations for slavery are a 'moral, democratic and economic imperative' – but Twitter has mixed reactions
Actor and activist Danny Glover appeared before a House Judiciary panel on Wednesday, and spoke out in favor of a measure that would establish a committee to look into the impact slavery has had on the African-American community.
The measure, known as H.R.40, also calls for the committee to develop a proposal for potential financial or other reparations for descendants of enslaved Africans.
“A national reparations policy is a moral, democratic, and economic imperative,” said Glover. “I sit here as the great grandson of a former slave, Mary Brown, who was freed by the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1st, 1863. I had the fortune of meeting her as a small child,” he added.
Glover went on to point out the importance of the hearing. “Despite much progress over the centuries, this hearing is yet another important step in the long and heroic struggle of African Americans to secure reparations for the damages inflicted by enslavement and post-emancipation and racial exclusionary policies.”
Other speakers at the hearing included Senator Cory Booker, and author Ta-Nehisi Coates. Coates’s piece, The Case for Reparations, is credited by many as reviving the conversation surrounding reparations.
The subject remains controversial, and Twitter had mixed reactions to the speakers. Some supported Glover and applauded him for speaking out:
Danny Glover knows what's up! https://t.co/JGxc9nysO1
— Sarah Small (@freyalita) June 19, 2019
@DannyGlover has moved me to tears and I am hoping this hearing gets the same coverage that Jon Stewart and 9-11 Benefits - because, once again, there are mostly empty chairs and this is their job...#environmentaljustice
— KimNoreen (@KimNoreen22) June 19, 2019
Others disagreed with the concept of reparations:
I'm sure Danny Glover has millions to spare.
Let HIM pay reparations.
When I meet someone from Germany, I don't shoot them
because their grandfather may have killed my family members.
So don't shoot me (take my money)
for something I had nothing to do with.— Coach Cam (@coachcamxxx) June 19, 2019
I have nothing to do with slavery or the past. I will have -0- to do with any reparations in the future. "Danny Glover" can suck it.
— Ponder A Thought?? (@constitutionguy) June 19, 2019
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