Descendants of slave owners and enslaved people met at the UN to discuss reparations. Laura Trevelyan, whose ancestors owned plantations, moderated the historic event. Millions of Africans were enslaved, and few nations have apologized. Caricom has a reparations plan, and the EU expressed regret.
Trevelyan's family apologized to Grenada and contributed to education. Aidee Walker, a descendant of a slave owner, also attended. Charles Gladstone, a descendant of William Gladstone, expressed guilt and apologized to Guyana and Jamaica. He emphasized the need to acknowledge the history of slavery.
The British government stated they would not provide cash transfers. Gladstone believes more families taking action could influence the government. Shepherd noted a lack of discussion about reparations, while Arley Gill sees positive movement. The meeting concluded with a call to action, stating that reparations are no longer taboo.
9 Comments
Comandante
Gladstone's guilt is a positive sign. The descendants are going in the right direction.
Muchacha
People should be judged by their actions, not their ancestors'. Don't punish modern generations.
Mariposa
This is just the beginning of a long journey. Accountability for past actions is necessary.
Habibi
The British government made the right call. Cash transfers are not the solution. It's about forgetting, so we work on our current situation.
ZmeeLove
It's impossible to fairly calculate reparations. How do you put a price on suffering?
Katchuka
Focusing on events hundreds of years ago ignores today's pressing issues. Reparations are backward-looking and divisive.
Loubianka
It's inspiring to see descendants working together to right historical wrongs. Action speaks louder than words.
Eugene Alta
I think people are trying to 'get rich' out of this scheme, even with noble intentions.
KittyKat
It's not about blaming the present. It's about acknowledging the past and building a better future.