Toward Justice: National Reparations Summit 2024

It was a profound experience—an intellectual homecoming and an urgent rallying cry for justice. The American Descendants of Slavery (ADOS) National Reparations Summit, held in New Orleans, brought together advocates, economists, historians, pastors, a presidential candidate and descendants of enslaved Black Americans to chart a path forward in the fight for reparations. Between gumbo, grits, and beignets, attendees reviewed policy, dissected history, and shared stories, reminding each other that the struggle for reparations is not only about righting the wrongs of the past but building the future Black Americans deserve.

As a member of the ADOS community, I arrived with the weight of history on my shoulders—one generation removed from picking cotton, and more than fifteen years removed from my own research as a McNair Scholar on the psychological impacts of slavery on modern Black Americans. The atmosphere was electric, filled with passion and urgency. But despite the power in the room, there was an underlying fear; many attendees refused to speak on the record, wary of retaliation from employers or local politicians. This pervasive fear was a chilling reminder of the long-term injustices that still haunt us today.

The first day of the three-day summit featured presentations by Dr. Patrick Rogers, a scientist and toxicologist, and Dr. Lassiter F. Speller, an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Eastern New Mexico University-Portales. Dr. Rogers discussed the importance of using data to support reparations and health equity, while Dr. Speller explored the psychological and cognitive impacts of systemic racism on ADOS individuals. Both emphasized the critical role of research-backed policy recommendations in the reparations movement.

Dr. LaBarron K. Hill presented his research on the physical and psychological toll of systemic racism, specifically highlighting how stress disproportionately impacts ADOS individuals, leading to long-term health problems such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). “It takes little to blow up, but the world to calm down,” Hill explained, poignantly summing up how Black Americans live in a constant state of heightened stress due to the cumulative effects of racism. His presentation connected health disparities directly to the broader discussion on reparations, arguing that reparations could help address these health crises by reducing the economic and emotional burdens placed on Black communities.

Political Accountability, Reparations Framework, and the Moral Case

Day two of the summit featured political activist and former Ohio State Senator Nina Turner, founder of We Are Somebody. Turner delivered an impassioned address, criticizing political parties that have long taken Black votes for granted while failing to deliver substantive policy changes. “If they won’t pass HR 40, they don’t deserve our vote,” Turner declared, to resounding applause. She emphasized the power of holding politicians accountable and demanded that reparations become a political priority.

A particular  highlight of Day 2 was the presentation of the ADOS Reparations Framework by Aisha Muhammad, Policy Director of the ADOS Advocacy Foundation. Muhammad introduced a comprehensive federal reparations program designed to rectify the long-standing disparities in Black communities. The framework outlined specific areas of focus, including monetary compensation, healthcare, housing, and education, and emphasized the importance of data-driven, equitable policy solutions.

The day’s moderator presented a broader call to action for President Biden to take bold, immediate steps to address the needs of ADOS communities. The Reparations Package pushes for Congress to propose a federally led and administered package that includes cash payments totaling $20 trillion. This redistributive measure, along with targeted protections, will remain in effect until the wealth gap between white Americans and ADOS is closed. The package is designed to be ongoing, with no fixed end date.

In addition, the ADOS Advocacy Foundation calls for an Ethnic Designation & Protection for ADOS communities, arguing that the descendants of chattel slavery in the U.S. have inherited a singular disadvantage in national life. The Biden-Harris administration is urged to designate ADOS as a protected category, according to criteria set forth at adosfoundation.org, and to use this designation as a pathway to repair under President Biden’s Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity. Furthermore, future government studies and data collection must disaggregate ADOS from the rest of the Black population to ensure that targeted policies and investments can be accurately allocated.

To strengthen this commitment, Muhammad proposed the creation of an Office of ADOS Affairs that would advocate specifically for the needs of ADOS people. This office would oversee the creation of a genealogy registry to help ADOS individuals trace their ancestry to establish eligibility for reparations and would be responsible for collecting information on stolen Black wealth, predatory lending practices, and redlining of housing and insurance policies. Should Congress fail to act, President Biden must create the Office by executive order.

Reverend Dr. Kevin W. Cosby: A Biblical Case for Reparations

Reverend Dr. Kevin W. Cosby, President of Simmons College of Kentucky, gave a deeply moving and historically grounded address on the biblical case for reparations. His introduction by ADOS AF Co-Founder and President Yvette Carnell included a recalling of his support for the ADOS movement in 2019, offering free space to ADOS AF to help the movement grow. Dr. Cosby highlighted that the Bible has been both misused and liberating, saying, “The Bible says more about justice than it does about heaven or prayer.”

Drawing from Deuteronomy 16:19-20, Dr. Cosby connected the importance of justice in the Bible to pivotal historical moments, such as the arrival of Angela in Jamestown in 1619 and the Mayflower in 1620. He emphasized that justice is not just spiritual but material, rooted in the fair and just redistribution of resources, known as Mishpat. “You cannot pray the Lord’s Prayer without ‘our,’” he said, underscoring the collective responsibility in justice.

Dr. Cosby also introduced the concept of Tzedakah, which calls for making things right for those who have been wronged. This ties directly into the demand for reparations. He stated that reparations should address the harm caused by slavery, Jim Crow, and systemic racism, pointing out that reparations must involve the restoration of stolen wealth and the rectification of historic wrongs.

In a critical and vivid metaphor, Dr. Cosby used the acronym PIMPS to describe those who exploit marginalized groups for personal gain: Physically challenged, Immigrants, Minorities, People of Color, and Sexual Orientation. He warned that anyone trying to take from what ADOS is fighting for is engaging in a form of “pimping.”

Dr. Cosby did not shy away from calling out SHIT (Symbols, Holidays, Images, Tokens) or scubala in Greek, referencing how certain elements are used to distract Black Americans from the real fight for reparations.

As a Lukan Christian, Dr. Cosby focused part of his presentation on Luke 19:8-9, where Zacchaeus, a tax collector, repented and paid back those he had wronged fourfold. Dr. Cosby proclaimed, “This is the gospel to ADOS.” He elaborated that Jesus, the ‘nigga from Nazareth,’ is in total solidarity with ADOS, aligning the story of Zacchaeus with the current struggle for reparations. He urged churches to use February, during Black History Month, to teach Sunday school lessons on reparations.

In concluding, Dr. Cosby reminded the audience that reparations are not only a financial debt but a moral imperative. Justice, as laid out in the Bible through Mishpat and Tzedaqah, requires that what was wrongfully taken is returned. “You don’t study Black history to see how far you’ve come; you study it to see how far you’ve strayed,” he said, driving home the importance of understanding history to inform the present struggle for justice.

This message of faith echoed and expanded on Reverend Dr. Chris Campbell’s presentation, which emphasized the historical role of the Black Church as the cornerstone of Black liberation. “The Black Church has been the leader in every movement for Black freedom, from slavery to civil rights,” Reverend Campbell said, urging church leaders to reclaim their positions as advocates for reparations. “You’ve got God, you can do anything,” he reminded attendees, a call to reinvigorate the church’s commitment to fighting for justice.

Yvette Carnell, co-founder of the ADOS movement, took the stage to highlight the importance of data desegregation, calling for a separation of ADOS data from that of other Black groups in government statistics. “Immigrant communities are often treated as though they represent all Black Americans,” Carnell said. “But that’s simply not true. Our data must reflect the unique history and struggles of ADOS.” Her call for specificity was met with agreement, as many attendees nodded in recognition of the way generalized statistics obscure the specific challenges facing Black descendants of U.S. slavery.

Dr. Cornel West and the Moral Imperative of Reparations

Dr. Cornel West, renowned philosopher, public intellectual and current presidential candidate, brought the day to a powerful peak with his speech on the spiritual dimensions of the reparations fight. West framed reparations as not just a financial debt, but a matter of collective dignity and justice. “Reparations are what love looks like in public,” West declared to an enraptured audience. “We are not just fighting for money—we are fighting for our humanity, our dignity, and our rightful place in this country.” His message was clear: the fight for reparations is a moral one, and it cannot be ignored. He called on the ADOS movement to continue pushing forward with the same faith and resilience that has sustained Black Americans through centuries of oppression. “Let’s be coffin-ready,” West said, invoking his famous metaphor of being ready to die for the cause if necessary, his words sparking nods and murmurs of agreement across the room.

Reflecting on his own journey, West shared, “I am who I am because somebody loved me,” pointing to the power of community and love in shaping who we become. He also challenged the misrepresentation of historical figures like Malcolm X, highlighting that Malcolm was not violent, but “ready to throw down for the justice of his people,” showing his love through action.

West’s view of justice is simple yet profound: “Justice is what love looks like in public, and tenderness is what love feels like in private.” For West, justice is not just a legal or political concept—it is the embodiment of love in action.

His invocation of “love warriors”—individuals willing to confront injustice at its root—reveals his insistence that love must go beyond sentimentality. It must become a political and social force capable of shaping institutions. “You’ve got to begin with spirituality and morality,” he insisted. But there is a subtext here: American society, as it exists, is neither spiritually grounded nor morally equipped to face the legacy of slavery. West’s critique is not only of a broken system but of a nation that refuses to engage in the deep, uncomfortable work of moral reconstruction.

In his reflections on Black music, West drew a parallel between the blues and the experience of catastrophe, noting, “The blues ain’t nothing but catastrophe transfigured.” For West, Black music encapsulates the resilience of a people who have been subjected to centuries of systemic oppression. His insight that America never had a “race problem,” but rather a “catastrophe visiting Black people” is more than just a turn of phrase—it is a scathing indictment of how deeply the structures of racism are embedded in American life. And yet, he challenges us to see beyond the catastrophe, to transfigure it into something more—justice, repair, and love.

He also spoke about the distinction between joy and superficial happiness. “Don’t confuse cheap joviality with real joy,” he warned, citing the spiritual endurance of figures like W.E.B. Du Bois and Black gospel music, which carries the strength and glory of those who have suffered but survived.

When asked why he’s running for president, West’s responded, “I’m running for Jesus.” His pursuit of justice is deeply rooted in his faith and commitment to uplift the community, not just through political office, but as a moral imperative. “Every flag for me is under the cross,” he said, underscoring that his vision of justice transcends political boundaries and is guided by a higher moral calling.

In closing, West invoked Lorraine Hansberry, noting the sacrifice that comes with being Black in America, and reminded the audience, “You cannot love if you are scared.” West’s message was a call for courage, dignity, and unwavering commitment to love and justice, even in the face of profound adversity.

Advocacy and Lineage-Based Reparations

Day three of the summit focused on grassroots advocacy. Marcus Coleman, Vice Chair of the Fulton County Reparations Task Force, discussed his experiences advocating for reparations at the local level and emphasized that advocacy must be community-driven. “We are not begging. We are acting as the executors of our ancestors’ estates,” Coleman said with conviction, underscoring that reparations are not a handout but a matter of justice and fulfillment of a debt long overdue.

Marvin Slaughter, Chair of the Illinois Reparations Commission, spoke about his work to push for reparations research and policy development. He highlighted the importance of consistent pressure on local politicians and the need for clear, evidence-based data to move forward with reparations initiatives.

The day also featured Dr. David McMillon, assistant professor of economics at Emory University, who introduced complex systems theory as it relates to systemic racism. Dr. McMillon explained how racial inequities are enabled and amplified by systemic structures, making it critical to intervene strategically.

Finally, Jari C. Honora, a Certified Genealogist, discussed the importance of tracing lineage and genealogical research in making the case for reparations. Honora highlighted how understanding individual family histories strengthens the argument for reparative justice for ADOS descendants.

Building Community Amidst Resistance

Beyond the powerful presentations, the ADOS National Reparations Summit felt like a family reunion. Conversations over shared meals brought warmth and unity, offering comfort and a reminder of the deep cultural roots that bind ADOS together. Over the extent of the conference more participants were willing to go on record. 

Freddie G., hailing from Monroe, GA, a small suburb outside Atlanta, first discovered the ADOS Advocacy Foundation through listening to Yvette Carnell on Tone Talks. He was drawn in by the expansive information explaining why the wealth disparity exists for Black Americans and how it continues to impact them. He found himself questioning why politicians consistently overlook the needs of Black Americans.

Originally holding liberal views on immigration, Freddie’s perspective shifted after engaging with the discussions Yvette and Antonio Moore presented. He now believes that conversations about immigration should include those most affected by it—specifically, Black Americans whose job opportunities are often diminished. “Unfortunately, Trump made it clear to the world that this is a real issue,” Freddie said, acknowledging the impact immigrants have on the job market, especially in Black communities.

Economically, Freddie is grateful for the work Yvette and Antonio have done in bringing clarity to ADOS’s identity and the specificity of what is owed to Black Americans. He feels strongly that the descendants of slaves are the ones who should be receiving reparations for the enduring injustices, from slavery to today. “We should all be proud to say that the debt owed to us is real,” he said.

Reflecting on ADOS’s potential, Freddie sees a future where the movement might replace traditional organizations like the NAACP or at least force them to shift their focus. “Mother nature hates a vacuum, so ADOS was born,” he remarked, referencing the movement’s rise to address gaps left by other advocacy groups.

Attending his first conference in New Orleans was a significant moment for Freddie. He was struck by how much poverty still lingers in the city since Hurricane Katrina. While wealthier areas like St. Charles have been restored, neighborhoods like the 9th Ward remain devastated. “Katrina never left. She’s still there,” Freddie observed, noting how ADOS communities have not received the necessary funding to rebuild.

His political journey has been shaped by disappointment in mainstream candidates. He refused to vote for Obama during his second term, feeling betrayed after Obama’s unwillingness to advocate for single-payer healthcare. When Biden ran, Freddie couldn’t bring himself to support him, citing Biden’s involvement in the crime bill and cocaine bill. Instead, Freddie voted Green in the last election and plans to vote for Dr. Cornel West in the next election. If West isn’t on the ballot, Jill Stein will be his second choice.

Freddie is passionate about engaging the next generation in the fight for reparations. He emphasizes the importance of reminding young people that this fight is for them. “Adults have got to keep telling them there is a debt owed to you. This is why,” Freddie said. He believes that simply having an income is not enough; wealth is necessary, and it’s impossible to work out of poverty without systemic change. “Every other program is a band-aid to a gunshot wound,” he added.

Freddie ended with a powerful observation about the current state of the country: immigrants are being prioritized over Black Americans, even to the point of taking over shelters meant for Black communities. He pointed out how birthright citizenship laws, originally designed to benefit descendants of enslaved people, are now being used to benefit immigrants. “It’s us who are impacted, and we need to stand up and demand what’s owed to us.”

The displacement of Black Americans by H1B visas in the IT industry was a significant point of discussion at the first session. An attendee working  as a tech recruiter attested to it first hand, merging the data with the anecdotal. U.S. companies are increasingly hiring foreign workers through H1B visas, which has led to the marginalization of Black American professionals. This practice, known as “body shopping,” involves bringing in temporary foreign workers on cheap contracts, often exploiting them and leaving them unaware of their rights. Consulting agencies that manage these visas also provide housing and payroll services, trapping workers in exploitative cycles. A process called “benching” is commonly used, where more visa holders are brought in than needed, leaving some on standby while others are employed, further exacerbating labor surplus issues. Additionally, there are concerns that IT companies are using these foreign workers to win military contracts, with suspicions of political figures having investments in these firms, benefiting financially as these contracts increase in value. This exploitation in the tech sector raises critical questions about racial and economic justice for Black Americans.

While waiting in line to buy conference swag, I began chatting with a phenomenally beautiful woman who looked half her age. She shared: 

“New York is one of the most prejudiced places. There’s a strong pushback when you show pride as an ADOS. People often ask, “Why do you want to be considered Black?” and claim that we have no culture. I’ve found myself becoming combative in these situations, especially since most of this criticism comes from Caribbean individuals. I work in the South Bronx, surrounded by a predominantly Hispanic community, where people often boast about having homes and husbands, implying a sense of stability that we are denied.”

As I left the summit, the weight of our shared history felt lighter. The road ahead is long, but the ADOS movement has shown that we are not alone in this fight. As one speaker pointed out, in order to win we must illicit the buy-in of the white church, leaving me to wonder if ADOS’ blind political loyalty has been one of the greatest barriers to progressing reparations; perhaps we have, as noted by Candace Owens, been on the democratic plantation too long. Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

One point I mulled over as I organized the notes for this article is the countless intellectual property stolen from ADOS through the denial of citizenship and The Patent Act of Confederacy, which allowed slave owners to patent the inventions of their slaves. Next, I considered the fact that the main determinant of toxic waste sites is race. The war on Black people is far reaching, insidious and ever present. The fact that reparations are not accepted as warranted is evident of this fact.

Throughout the conference, groups of Black women in signature pink and green were frequently seen mingling in the hotel’s common areas—a clear sign of an Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) gathering. The sight struck many as ironic, given that the sorority, known for its commitments to philanthropy, social action, and civic engagement, felt somewhat out of place at an event centered on ADOS advocacy. Their presence, to some, symbolized alignment with the status quo and globalism. Their demeanor, reserved and distanced, only underscored that sentiment. “You know they’re voting for Kamala,” an ADOS attendee remarked dryly after a brief but unreciprocated greeting.

“I saw the AKAs here,” I mentioned to my daughter, a recent Howard graduate, during a phone call. “They didn’t say much.”

Without missing a beat, she responded, “Oh? And what did they have to do to pledge?” As if speaking to them directly: “Like, humble yourself.”

Proud of her sharp observation, I replied, “I see you. What a leader you are.”

That’s the essence of ADOS—an identity forged through struggle and sacrifice, unmatched in its depth and authenticity. ADOS defines culture on a global scale, standing as the backbone for all, from the privileged to the marginalized, yet often is left with little more than crumbs.

But those days are changing. The summit was more than just an intellectual gathering—it was a clarion call, a reaffirmation of purpose, and a testament to the power of collective action. As I reflect on the experience, I am reminded that the struggle for reparations is not just about monetary compensation—it is about reclaiming our history, restoring our dignity, and ensuring that future generations of Black Americans have the opportunities that were denied to our ancestors. As Dr. Cosby so powerfully stated, “Reparations are a biblical imperative.” The road to justice may be long, but it is one that we must walk with faith, courage, and a deep commitment to the principles of fairness and equity. And as the ADOS movement continues to grow, so too will our collective power to demand what is rightfully ours.