As a Foundational Black American, my ancestry is intricately tied to the transatlantic slave trade history. Witnessing nations like Ghana advocate for reparations while not fully acknowledging their involvement in the slave trade feels disingenuous. It is crucial that all parties involved in this historical atrocity embrace full accountability—not selective narratives.

Currently, the United States lacks a formal policy framework that addresses the role of West African states within the broader context of international reparations discussions. This is a significant oversight in policy, diplomacy, and historical analysis that needs immediate rectification.

Ghana and other West African countries have embarked on reparations advocacy, yet the absence of a comprehensive, fact-based assessment of shared historical accountability persistently lingers. These discussions should not only focus on reparations but should also encompass a full acknowledgment and understanding of all involved parties' roles in this historical injustice.

According to historian Dr. Nwando Achebe, many African states were active participants in the transatlantic slave trade, selling prisoners of war and other enslaved people in exchange for goods. This is a complex narrative that needs to be fully accounted for in reparations discourse. Ignoring these facts impedes true progress and healing.

Therefore, I urge the U.S. government to develop a comprehensive policy framework that includes the examination and acknowledgment of the roles played by West African states. This policy should include an unbiased examination of historical facts, a diplomatic dialogue with African nations, and clear guidelines for future reparations discussions.

By fostering honest and inclusive historical analysis, the U.S. can play a pivotal role in ensuring that reparations discussions are not only comprehensive but fair and just. Let's fill this gap and move toward genuine reparative justice. Please sign this petition to support the creation of a U.S. policy that fully addresses all aspects of the transatlantic slave trade's legacy.