The city of Evanston, Illinois, on Monday night approved a plan to distribute $ 10 million in compensation to black residents for housing and mortgage assistance.
Why it matters: The city of 73,000 people, 20 miles north of downtown Chicago, is the first in the state to succeed to such an extent.
By the numbers: The measure passed 8-1, per WNUR News.
The whole picture: According to the council, the city will pay for the compensation via revenue collected from cannabis taxes.
- People who lived in Evanston between 1919 and 1969, their descendants or those who can show that they face discrimination over housing policies, would receive compensation.
What they say: Alderman Robin Rue Simmons, who was behind the initiative, told the New York Times the action is a start. ‘
- “This is the settlement,” she added. “We are really proud to be a city that leads the country to recovery and justice.”
Go deeper: Catholic order commits $ 100 million in slave compensation