Be informed. Be challenged. Be inspired.

African leaders to push for slavery reparations despite resistance

Reuters African leaders meeting in Ethiopia this weekend are to launch a new push for slavery and colonial reparations, but can expect to be stonewalled by former colonial powers, most of which have ruled out making amends for historical wrongs. While the issue of reparations has gained momentum worldwide, so has the backlash. US President […]

Commonwealth leaders say “time has come” for discussion on slavery reparations

Apia, Samoa Reuters Commonwealth leaders, ending a week-long summit in Samoa, said on Saturday the time had come for a discussion on whether Britain should commit to reparations for its role in the transatlantic slave trade. Slavery and the threat of climate change were major themes for representatives of the 56 countries in the group, […]

Portugal’s government rejects paying reparations for colonial, slavery legacy

Lisbon, Portugal Reuters Portugal’s government said on Saturday it refuses to initiate any process to pay reparations for atrocities committed during transatlantic slavery and the colonial era, contrary to earlier comments from President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. From the 15th to the 19th century, six million Africans were kidnapped and forcibly transported across the Atlantic […]

US Black church coalition names reparations, voting, health equity among priorities

US Florida CNBC

United States RNS The Conference of National Black Churches has called on African American congregations to embrace a list of priorities – from “government-sponsored reparations” to improved access to healthcare – as they move out of a pandemic era and into an election year. “We believe Black life must be valued and the humanity of […]

Barbados PM Mottley calls for slavery reparation conversations

Barbados' Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley speaks at a press conference at COP28 World Climate Summit, in Dubai United Arab Emirates, on 4th December, 2023

London, UK Reuters Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley used a speech in London on Wednesday to call for a global conversation on reparations for countries that saw their people enslaved, sometimes for centuries, under colonial rule. “The conspiracy of silence has diminished the horror of what our people faced,” Mottley said in a lecture at […]

In the US, reparations campaign takes new forms with Bible study, Juneteenth march

Pastor Les Robinson interacts with members of the congregation at The Sanctuary Church, on Sunday, 14th May, 2023, in Santa Clarita, California

United States RNS The long campaign for reparations for slavery in the United States has taken numerous forms. Members of Congress have supported a commission to study the matter. Pastor Les Robinson interacts with members of the congregation at The Sanctuary Church on Sunday, 14th May, 2023, in Santa Clarita, California. For Black Californians who […]

UK’s Prince William says he wants to serve after Caribbean criticism

Bahamas Prince William

London, UK Reuters Prince William has said he is committed to service and “not telling people what to do” after a tour of the Caribbean that was marked by protests over the British empire and criticism that the trip reflected a throwback to colonial times. William released the statement at the end of an eight-day […]

Jamaica PM tells British royals island nation wants to be independent

Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Prince William

Kingston, Jamaica Reuters Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Wednesday told Britain’s Prince William and his wife Kate that his country wants to be “independent” and to address “unresolved” issues, a day after protesters called on the United Kingdom to pay reparations for slavery. The royal couple arrived in Jamaica on Tuesday as part of […]

US panel says faith community must lead slavery reparations

US Macon Georgia churches

AP The faith community should guide the way on reparations for America’s history of slavery and racial discrimination and help the nation’s process of reconciliation and healing, religious leaders said during a panel held to discuss the issue. US religious groups have seen widespread interest in reparations, especially among Protestant churches that were active in […]