Illinois Town Getting Sued For Paying Reparations
In 2021, Evanston, Illinois became the first U.S. city to offer reparations to Black residents for past housing discrimination . A conservative group called Judicial Watch is suing the city accusing them of discriminating on non-Blacks. The program provides up to $25,000 in housing assistance to Black residents who lived in Evanston between 1919 and 1969, as well as their direct descendants. The program aims to address the harm caused by discriminatory zoning and housing practices that were in place during that time. As of June 2024, the city has distributed more than $1 million in home improvement benefits and mortgage assistance and intends to pay all verified descendants. In 2024, staff anticipate disbursing reparations funds to at least 80 direct descendants.