Providence mayor starts $10 million program to issue reparations to everyone, even Whites
Providence, Rhode Island – The city of Providence is preparing to assist Black residents, indigenous residents, and White residents as well with $10 million worth of reparations.
The money being used to help carry out the program will be provided by the federal government’s American Rescue Plan. Since federal money is being used, the reparations program must be open and available to everyone, not just people of color.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Providence has a population of just over 189,000. 53.2% are White, 43.5 are Hispanic and the remaining $16.1% are Black. 23% of Providence residents are living at the poverty level.
Mayor Jorge Elorza, whose parents are from Guatemala, but he himself was born and raised in Providence, signed the $10 million program in November. After signing, Elorza posted on Facebook, “I was honored to join members of the Municipal Reparations Commission, African American Ambassadors Group (AAAG), representatives from United Way Rhode Island, and community members to sign the $10 million COVID-19 Equities budget into law. These funds move us one step further toward closing the present-day racial wealth and equity gap. Funding is now available to advance the recommendations of the Reparations Commission.”
Qualified applicants will not be receiving direct payments, but instead assistance in buying a house, starting a business, and more. Elorza will be spending his final days in office until the end of December and mayor-elect, Brett Smiley, said in a candidate forum that he will keep the reparations program moving forward.
