In a bold move to confront its historical ties to slavery, the City of Boston has allocated $500,000 in its latest budget to support an in-depth research initiative led by the city’s Reparations Task Force. Mayor Michelle Wu and the Task Force recently announced the selection of two prominent research teams tasked with documenting Boston’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade and the lasting legacies of slavery on the city.
The study, which spans from 1620 to the present, will provide a comprehensive review of Boston’s historical role in slavery, with findings that could significantly shape the conversation around reparations in the city. This initiative is part of Boston’s broader commitment to address and acknowledge the impact of its past.
Two Leading Teams Chosen to Tackle Boston’s Dark History
The research effort will be led by two distinguished teams of historians:
- Tufts University Team: Under the leadership of Dr. Kerri Greenidge, Dr. Kendra Field, and Kyera Singleton, this team will focus on Boston’s history from 1620 to 1940, examining the city’s early involvement in slavery and its impact over centuries.
- Northeastern University Team: Led by Margaret Burnham and Dr. Deborah Jackson, this team will explore the legacy of slavery from 1940 to the present day, investigating how the remnants of the institution continue to shape Boston’s social, economic, and political landscape.
Both teams will conduct original historical research, synthesizing key themes and findings in a final report that will help shape the Task Force’s recommendations for potential reparations. The comprehensive study will ensure a detailed and accurate account of how slavery influenced Boston’s development and its ongoing effects on the city’s communities.
This research initiative follows the City and Task Force’s release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) last September, seeking scholars to study the history of slavery in Boston. The Task Force, created to explore reparations in Boston, believes that understanding the city’s historical role in slavery is crucial for addressing the ongoing impacts it has on Black communities.
The $500,000 budget is an important investment in ensuring that the research is thorough and well-documented. The resulting report will be a pivotal resource in guiding future discussions and policy decisions on reparations in Boston.
Boston’s allocation of funds for this research marks a significant step in acknowledging the enduring legacies of slavery and the city’s role in perpetuating its injustices. With a full report expected upon completion, this research effort will offer critical insights into how Boston can address its past and move toward restorative justice for its communities most affected by the consequences of slavery.
