What do racial healing and reparations mean to me?

“In my role with The Zacchaeus Foundation, I view racial healing as an essential step towards building a compassionate and equitable community. It's about listening, learning, and standing in solidarity with those who have been oppressed. Reparations, to me, encompass both acknowledgment of past wrongs and proactive measures to dismantle systemic barriers. Through collaborative efforts and sustained commitment, we can pave the way for meaningful change.” - Betty Wilton

“As the chair of the History Department at the University of Arkansas and host of the Undisciplined podcast, I approach racial healing and reparations through a historical lens. Understanding the legacies of slavery, segregation, and systemic racism is crucial. Racial healing involves acknowledging these histories and their ongoing impact on communities. Reparations, to me, mean addressing these injustices through tangible actions—be it policy changes, educational initiatives, or economic investments—that aim to rectify past wrongs and promote equity.” - Dr. Caree Banton

“As a board member of The Zacchaeus Foundation, my commitment to racial healing stems from a desire to address the systemic injustices that have long plagued our communities. I believe that healing begins with acknowledging the truth of our history and its lasting impacts. Reparations, in my view, involve not only financial restitution but also the redistribution of resources and opportunities to those who have been historically marginalized. Through education and community engagement, we aim to foster understanding and promote equity.” - Dustin McGowan

“In Luke 3, John the Baptist called people to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. When asked what he meant, he said, ‘Share, and don’t steal.’ In Luke 10, a person asked Jesus how to be saved. Jesus told a story about a person who shared, and said, ‘Go do that.’ In Luke 19, a person who had stolen from other people met Jesus, and then returned what he had stolen. Jesus said, ‘You got saved today.’ To me, reparations is the fruit that white people generally and white Christians specifically must bear in keeping with repentance for stealing from Black people. We must return what we have stolen.” - Lowell Taylor

“In my role with The Zacchaeus Foundation, I view racial healing as a journey of reconciliation and building trust among diverse groups. It's about creating spaces where stories are shared, and experiences are validated. Reparations involve recognizing the cumulative disadvantages faced by certain communities and implementing measures—such as educational programs, healthcare access, and economic support—to address these disparities and promote justice.” - Lynette Washington

“When I talk about reparations, I don’t just mean financial compensation. I’m talking about real, structural change—addressing the deep inequities in education, healthcare, housing, and economic opportunity. Reparations, to me, are about repair, restoration, and creating the conditions where all people, especially those who’ve been historically marginalized, can truly thrive. Racial healing and reparations go hand in hand—they’re both essential to building a future rooted in justice, accountability, and care.” - Sharon Killian

“Reparations, to me, are about more than financial compensation; they involve a commitment to restoring relationships and addressing systemic inequalities. This includes advocating for policies that promote equity in education, housing, and healthcare, as well as supporting initiatives that empower marginalized communities. By engaging in this work, we strive to build a Beloved Community where every person is valued and justice prevails.” - Susie Norys

“When I think about reparations, I see them as a necessary response to the injustices we’ve endured. It’s not only about financial compensation, but also about investing in the communities that have been harmed—providing resources, opportunities, and support to close the gaps created by centuries of systemic oppression. Reparations are about making things right, and for me, that means not just acknowledging the past but actively working to create a more equitable future for everyone.” - Dr. Trisha Posey