ThereÔÇÖs Now A Website That Allows White People To ÔÇÿOfferÔÇÖ Reparations To Black People

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While black people continue to wait on the United States government to repay them for 400 years of slavery with 40 acres and a mule, a website is bypassing the government by taking the reparations debate directly to the people.

Seattle-based artist Natasha Marin has created Reparations.me, a website that lets white people do their part in helping fight racial injustice by allowing them to “offer their belongings or services” to black people. Marin says her website isn’t about paying descendants back for slavery, but more about inequalities that still exist today. ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs about reparations for things that happened earlier today, for yesterday, for last Thursday,ÔÇØ she said to The Washington Post. ÔÇ£This is for the present tense.ÔÇØ

HereÔÇÖs the basic concept: White people have created a political and cultural system that discriminates against and excludes people of color every day. Therefore, white people have a responsibility to actively work to level the playing field for the people of color who are disadvantaged and threatened by racism and racial inequality.

Visiting the website shows several “offerings” for handyman support, tarot reading, childcare, insurance assistance and even therapy. “I am a clinical psychologist in Bellevue, Washington┬áwho works with people who struggle with many things in their lives, including oppression, trauma, isolation, relationship concerns, identity exploration, and acculturation difficulties,” the offering reads. “I am here to sit with you in your feelings, difficulties, and questions. If you can use a safe space and a welcoming heart to lean on, I’m here for you.”

A “recent PhD graduate in a STEM field” is offering academic support for black students. “I have been successful in getting awards and have been on award committees,” the offerer writes, “so I have some ideas of what can make a successful application, from smaller grants like travel funding to larger fellowships and honors.”

Black people are also using the website to ask for assistance in paying for travel, tuition, books, and — believe it or not — gaming therapy. Sounds ridiculous, but it’s real. “Between school and bills, my wallet is pretty empty when it comes to leisure funds,” the posting reads. “I have several on my list, but the one I want the most is the new World of Warcraft game, due out August 30.” The person says playing video games takes the stress away, also writing, “This would provide some much needed relaxation for me.”

Marin’s website doesn’t come without any opposition, though. Since launching Reparations.me, Marin says she has received tons of hate emails and even death threats from dissenters. However, Marin turns the negative into a positive.

For every malevolent, racist, post submitted via this website, a dollar will be donated to Reparations.me for folks who have specifically requested financial support. The time you invest in spewing hate could be spent supporting someone who needs you in your community. But maybe you have nothing of value to offer your community except a vile contempt for creativity, compassion, and human connection? ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs an effective way to monetize hatred and turn it into something worthwhile,ÔÇØ she said.

So far, the “Troll Slayers” have have raised over $4,000.

Marin hopes her website will further the healing process, adding [reparations] is a word that means repair. And I feel like many people feel broken.ÔÇØ

(via Washington Post)

ThereÔÇÖs Now A Website That Allows White People To ÔÇÿOfferÔÇÖ Reparations To Black People : UPROXX