For generations, our communities flourished, only to be devastated by the hands of both governmental interference and systematic oppression. My ancestors, like countless African Americans in this country, poured their blood, sweat and tears into the building of this nation and yet, they were never truly given a chance to live as a 'NORMAL' citizen, to build wealth and enjoy the prosperity they helped create.

The lasting impacts of slavery are still deeply felt within the African American community. Even after the abolishment of slavery, our ancestors continued to be disenfranchised, with their rights to vote suppressed, denied access to quality education and healthcare, segregating them into food deserts and areas with limited job prospects. Economic gaps persist between African Americans and the rest of the country. As per the Federal Reserve, the typical white family has eight times the wealth of the typical black family.

We believe that it's high time for the government to address this historical injustice and start by giving LAND and financial reparations to all African American descendants of slave states, inclusive of tax-free and interest-free land ownership. The costs for cultivation of the land should also be borne by the government, supporting its transformative use.

These lands should be protected from any form of disturbance, including city construction or corporate buyouts. They should serve as a pillar of long-lasting wealth for generations, just as our ancestors should have had the opportunity to establish. While immigration is a separate issue, our focus is on reparations and land ownership that address historic inequity suffered by African American communities.

We know that this initiative alone may not completely bridge racial wealth gaps, but it surely is a start towards justice. The time to fulfill that promise made to our ancestors long ago is now. Stand with us in our struggle for justice and long-overdue reparations. Sign this petition to demand Land and Financial reparations for African American descendants of Slave States.