African Americans, citizens of the United States of America, were never given any financial aid before, during, or after slavery. Because of this, the direct descendants of those enslaved people became second and even third class citizens who were never allowed to enjoy the fruits of their own labor. They could work the land, but they could not own it. They could clean the house, cook in the house, and help raise someone's children in the house, but they were not allowed to live in the house. After slavery, the United States government promised to give every slave and their family 40 acres of land. When you own something you can develop something. I sincerely believe that financial reparations to the direct descendants of enslaved Africans in this country will undoubtedly begin the process of making this country great for the first time.