?? Why Reparations Matter: Generational Wealth Stolen Through Housing Injustice ??
Generational wealth isn’t just about money in the bank—it’s about assets that grow in value over time. For many families, homeownership is the cornerstone of building that wealth. But what happens when that opportunity is stolen? ??
In the 1950s and 1960s, Black and Latino families in Palm Springs were forcibly evicted from their homes in Section 14. Their homes were bulldozed and burned, erasing not just shelter but their chance to pass down wealth. This wasn’t an isolated event—it’s a pattern of systemic injustice repeated across the U.S.
Here's why reparations in this case are fundamentally important:
?? Homeownership = Wealth Growth
?? In 1960, the average home in California cost $12,000. Today, that same home is worth over $800,000. Imagine the wealth these families could have built over 60+ years. That’s 6,600% growth—stolen from them. ??
If the Section 14 families had kept their homes, they could have passed down this wealth, setting up their children and grandchildren for success.
?? Let’s break it down:
If 100 families had owned homes that appreciated to $800,000 today, the combined value would be $80 million.
That’s $80 million in generational wealth stolen from these families due to forced evictions.
?? The Wealth Gap Isn’t an Accident
The median net worth of white families: $188,200
The median net worth of Black families: $24,100
The median net worth of Latino families: $36,100
(Federal Reserve Board, 2021)
This gap exists because of events like the Section 14 evictions, where families were pushed out of generational wealth opportunities. Housing discrimination like the Section 14 evictions directly contributes to these disparities.
Denying families the ability to own property meant denying them access to financial stability, educational opportunities, and wealth transfer to future generations.
?? Reparations Are Justice in Action
Palm Springs’ $5.9 million reparations are a start. But the impact isn’t just financial—it’s a statement:
?? We’re taking steps to correct it.
?? We’re empowering future generations.
?? Think About This:
If your grandparents had been denied the chance to own a home, how different would your life look today? The forced evictions in Section 14 robbed families of over $80 million in potential wealth—and their descendants are still paying the price. Reparations are not just about money; they’re about justice, equity, and restoring opportunities that were unjustly taken.
Gary Acosta Bryan Greene Joe Ventrone Amy McCoy Nathaniel Crawford Gillian Marcelle, PhD Mike Green Ryan Weyandt Samantha Katz Joe Cardillo Dr. Tana M. Session Shari Dunn Elizabeth Leiba
#Reperations
