The city of Evanston, Illinois, approved on Monday night a plan to distribute $ 10 million in compensation to black residents for housing and mortgage assistance.
Why it matters: The city of 73,000, 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, is the first in the country to approve such a move.
By the numbers: The measure was approved on 8-1, for WNUR News.
The big picture: The city will pay damages through the proceeds from the cannabis tax, according to information from the council.
- People who lived in Evanston between 1919 and 1969, their descendants or those who prove that they faced discrimination in relation to housing policy would be entitled to compensation.
What they are saying: Councilor Robin Rue Simmons, who was behind the initiative, told the New York Times that the action was “a start”.
- “It is the reckoning,” she added. “We are very proud as a city to lead the nation towards reparations and justice.”
Go deeper: Catholic order pledges to make $ 100 million in slavery damages