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The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the economic inequality built into the structure of our country. As the economic impact of the pandemic has disproportionately devastated Black wealth, the nationwide protests following the murder of George Floyd have helped carry calls for reparations to new ears. There is unprecedented energy behind the idea that the Federal Government should finally pay Black people what they are owed. We must seize this moment to push for reparations and start to undo the racist systems that suppress Black wealth. What it would look like if we actually won reparations? What other strategies are needed to create a just economy that repairs the harm caused by white supremacy?

This Just Economy Session will be a conversation between Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of the 1619 Project Nikole Hannah-Jones and NCRC CEO Jesse Van Tol, facilitated by journalist Oscar Perry Abello.

Speakers

Nikole Hannah-Jones was named a MacArthur Genius for “reshaping national conversations around education reform.” This is but one honor in a growing list: she’s won a Peabody, a Polk, and, for her story on choosing a school for her daughter in a segregated city, a National Magazine Award. Most recently, the New York Times Magazine’s “The 1619 Project” she spearheaded on the history and lasting legacy of American slavery went viral, and her powerful introductory essay was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for commentary.

Jesse Van Tol is NCRC’s Chief Executive Officer. He has been with NCRC since 2006 and has held a variety of leadership positions, most recently as Chief Operating Officer, as well as senior positions in the organizing and membership, communications, policy and research departments. His work championing fair and responsible banking has resulted in nearly $90 billion in new investments in low- and moderate-income communities through Community Benefits Agreements with eight banking institutions. He is a popular speaker and lecturer, and has appeared on NPR, in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and other outlets.

Moderator

Oscar Perry Abello is a New York City-based journalist covering alternative economic models and policies in cities for several publications, chiefly Next City — an independent, not-for-profit, online magazine where he is currently senior economics correspondent. He also contributes to Yes! Magazine, City & State New York, Impact Alpha, Shelterforce, and other outlets.