Debate: Should the US assist Black Americans with reparations for slavery and for subsequent discriminatory practices?

Join Braver Angels for a debate on the topic – Resolved: The US should assist Black Americans with reparations for slavery and for subsequent discriminatory practices

Remember, our resolutions never represent Braver Angels’ stance on any issue, and we alternate between speeches for and against the resolution.

Join us for this free Local Community Debate, where participants from across the ideological spectrum will have the opportunity to speak and ask questions. Tell us what you have experienced and what you think.

As you may know, the purpose of a Braver Angels debate is different from most debates. It is not to declare a winner and loser, but to gain a better understanding of views you may disagree with. Even more important, it provides practice in presenting your views in a calm manner, by formulating them as questions rather than statements. This, rather than a specific set of policy recommendations, is the purpose of the exercise.

The issue of reparations for Black Americans has been a contentious one for several decades, with divisions occurring along racial lines. There are several dimensions to it: moral, practical, financial, to name a few. There are strong arguments both pro and con. We have invited two speakers to present both sides. They are:

1. Dr. Press Robinson (pro), former chemistry professor and chancellor, Southern University, president East BR Parish School board, lead plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging the Louisiana legislature’s electoral redistricting map, author of Pressing Forward. My Life as a Baton Rouge Community Pioneer (2025)

2. Richard Brazan (con), attorney, JD LSU 1976, has been practicing law for 50 years. Has specialized in defending Juveniles, largely African Americans, in St. James Parish.

Each speech will be followed by a question period; there will then be opportunities for participants to make short speeches as well.

Because of the complexity of the topic, participants are encouraged to read the following background article in advance of the meeting:

https://www.britannica.com/procon/reparations-for-slavery-debate

This debate is a free event brought to you by Braver Angels, a 501(c)(3) non-profit as part of our mission to depolarize America. We invite you to consider a gift to Braver Angels; all donations are tax-deductible. Your support will allow us to offer more workshops and debates with the ultimate goal of uniting America.

Braver Angels events may be recorded and may be shared with media or used in Braver Angels publications, including web pages. Participants who object to this may notify the organizer.

** This event is open to the media upon approval. Send requests to press@braverangels.org