Even the local NAACP branch opposes San Francisco’s reparation efforts.

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors moved ahead with their efforts to spend a total of $50 billion, 5 million for each person, in the form of reparations. It’s closer than ever now to passing, although it’s still not a sure thing.

San Francisco is only 6% black. They used to have a thriving community in the Filmore neighborhood before the late 1960’s, but over development and tougher regulation on small businesses pushed black residents out of the city.

In addition to the cost, the 50 billion proposal is over three times the city’s usual budget, advocates for the black community, like the local NAACP branch, feel that personal, in pocket payments would be the least effective way to empower their community.

Nationally and locally, the NAACP says they support reparations. And the local branch was careful in remarking that they do support reparations, just not in this way.

Instead of direct pocket payments, NAACP SF president Amos Brown said, “We strongly believe that creating and funding programs that can improve the lives of those who have been impacted by racism and discrimination is the best path forward toward equality and justice.”

He offered some intriguing tangibles. A new community center in more black populated neighborhoods, after school programs to keep kids off the street, increases in healthcare and housing access, and museum honoring the culture left behind in the Filmore neighborhood.

Brown wasn’t the only black San Francisco political player who expressed opposition. Xaviaer DuRousseau was a former Black Lives Matter activist. He slowly drifted more towards the conservative side after studying the inner workings of the BLM organizing group. He now works for Praeger U.

The next big meeting is next month, where the legislation would be close to finalize. Expect some on the scene reporting from Valuetainment when that comes around.

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