The NAACP chapter in San Francisco opposed the proposed law, contending that reparations need to be made through investments and opportunities for the Black community rather than through outright monetary payments.
"We strongly think that creating and funding programs that will better the lives of those who have been harmed by racism and prejudice is the best road ahead toward equality and justice," San Francisco NAACP President Amos Brown said in a statement Tuesday.
Brown and the NAACP demanded investments in "five essential sectors," including housing, healthcare, jobs, and a cultural hub for Blacks in the city, as opposed to making direct financial transfers.
The San Francisco African American Reparations Advisory Committee was established by the board in December 2020 to provide guidance to the general public and local government on the development of a citywide reparations package. The NAACP's remarks came after a public meeting held by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to discuss a proposed reparations package developed by the committee.
The proposed plan was heavily criticized, especially for its recommendation that qualified San Franciscans get a $5 million "one-time, lump sum" payout.
Richie Greenberg, a previous candidate for mayor of San Francisco, was among many who felt the $5 million gift was against both Californian and federal law.
According to Kara Frederick of The Heritage Foundation, it is a morally and legally wrong wealth transfer. "It's not about human flourishing, kindness, or even uplifting people in any way; it's about power. The left is essentially saying, "Vote for us because we'll give you free stuff," so do so. Who will pay the cost, also? We all understand that the taxpayer will be responsible for paying the tab."
The large-scale emigration from California speaks for itself, Frederick said. "California is not working, and if this happens, it will work much less."
The reparations package, which in addition to direct cash payments includes a citywide debt forgiveness plan and a decrease in tax loads for qualified citizens, has drawn criticism for not include a formal state adoption of the concept of chattel slavery.
