Kansas City creates a committee to study reparations for Black residents

By Steve Kraske,

Published January 19, 2023 at 4:28 PM CST

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Young male wearing black t shirt at protest — The homeownership rate for Black residents is 43% and for non-Black residents the homeownership rate is 76%.

Under an ordinance passed by Kansas City Council this month, the city has 90 days to form a commission tasked with looking into slavery reparations for Black residents.

Kansas City is taking a big step towards reparationsfor the Black community.

On Jan. 12, City Council voted 10-1 to approved Ordinance No. 220966, which expresses "apologies on behalf of the City of Kansas City" and establishes an intent to "make amends for its participation in the sanctioning of the enslavement of Black people and any historical enforcement of segregation and accompanying discriminatory practices against Black citizens of Kansas City."

The city has 90 days to form a Mayor's Commission on Reparations, which will be tasked with developing proposals focused on issues such as housing, economic development, health, education and criminal justice.

Mickey Dean, founder of theKC Reparations Coalition, which started this movement here in Kansas City, called the vote "a step forward."

Dean joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss reparations for Black Kansas Citians and how the community is reacting.

Mickey Dean, founder of the KC Reparations Coalition