As an African-American woman existing and flourishing in this society, I am intimately familiar with the deeply entrenched economic disadvantages that our community faces. These disparities are not born from lack of ambition or aspiration, but they are the bitter fruits of systemic oppression and deprivation that have conspired to rob us of our rightful wealth and prosperity.

Indeed, the economic hardship of African-Americans is not a mere buzz word; it is a frightening reality that is substantiated by harrowing statistics. According to an analysis by the Institute for Policy Studies, the median wealth for black Americans will fall to zero by 2053 if current trends continue, while the median white wealth will climb to $137,000 (Source: The Road to Zero Wealth report, 2017).

Yet this prediction is not a forgone conclusion. It represents an opportunity for intervention, meaningful change, and the imperative for reparations. We seek not handouts but what is rightfully ours - an equal start that levels the playing field across racial lines, so that our children and their children have the same fighting chance to succeed and build a legacy.

We're calling for sustained and decisive action from our government to correct the structural and systemic disadvantages that African-Americans have historically faced. This seeks a comprehensive plan that not only addresses these pressing matters, but also acknowledges the justification for reparations as a form of redressing historical economic wrongs.

Together, we can work towards a society where wealth is not a colour-coded privilege. This is a struggle for justice, for equity, for our dignity, and for our children’s futures. Sign this petition today and stand with us as we demand economic fairness for African-Americans.