Economics

The Dismantling of White Privilege Can Affirm Reparations

Published

7 years ago

June 28, 2019

God on Wall Street

Last week, the nation heard Sen. Mitch McConnell suggest that the election of Barack Obama has satisfied America’s appetite for reparations. To suggest that the benevolence of America’s racist culture allowed a Black man to become the first Black president, prompts a discussion on privilege.

When we can look white privilege in the face and negotiate it, we can look towards more reconciliatory language. We think that this discussion is about racism, and it is; however, if we were to look deeper into the pupils of white privilege, we would discover that the real discussion is about classism. In his essay, “The Souls Of White Folk,” I read where W.E.B. DuBois said, “My poor, un-white thing! Weep not nor rage.

I know, too well, that the curse of God lies heavy on you. Why? That is not for me to say, but be brave! Do your work in your lowly sphere, praying the good Lord that into heaven above, where all is love, you may, one day, be born – white!”

DuBois strikes a familiar tune when he says, “work in your lowly sphere…” And one of the reasons that reparations is not a bigger discussion today is because for too long, we have been accustomed to working in lowly spheres.

We need more entrepreneurs, more brothers and sisters in colleges and universities around the world, and we need to claim our independence. And we need to stop worshipping white men, and they need to be relieved of the thoughts that they are clay demi-gods. When poor white folk understand that they are no better than anything Black, we will have different conversations surrounding reparations.

As I listened to Ta-Nehisi Coates and the Bay Area’s, Danny Glover respond to the logic of the reparations debate, the name “George Stinney,” came to mind. George Junius Stinney Jr., was an African American convicted at age 14 of the murders of two white girls ages 7 and 11 in 1944 in his hometown of Alcolu, South Carolina.

He was executed by electric chair in June of that year, still only 14. To read the account of this unjust act, and its horrific ending, only uncovers the need to dismantle white privilege. Because the chair was designed for an adult, and not for an adolescent, this increased the torture of the moment.

Another sign to say that there are no benefits in being Black in America. We need this discussion. If it does nothing more than waking up a dormant Black community, we need to dismantle white privilege.

Rev. Curtis O. Robinson, Sr.

Posts by Rev. Curtis O. Robinson, Sr.

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Activism

Oakland Post: Week of July 1 – 7, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 1 – 7, 2026

Published

1 day ago

July 5, 2026

Oakland Post

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Activism

NPRC Joins National Grand Jury Proceedings Seeking Accountability, Constitutional Restoration

Organizers state that testimony will explore historical and political developments that they believe have contributed to the expansion of corporate influence over public institutions and governmental decision-making. Participants are expected to discuss concerns regarding constitutional governance, individual liberties, property rights, and the protection of vulnerable populations, including seniors and persons with disabilities.

Published

1 week ago

June 26, 2026

Oakland Post

Photo by Billie Powers.

Special to The Post

The National Probate Reform Coalition (NPRC) has joined Toll and Roll and a growing coalition of advocacy organizations, victims, whistleblowers, and citizen groups in support of a nationally broadcast People’s Grand Jury proceeding scheduled for July 1 and July 7.

Organizers describe the event as a public forum designed to examine allegations of government abuse, judicial misconduct, legislative failures, and the erosion of constitutional protections affecting millions of Americans.

The proceedings will feature testimony from victims, families, advocates, and organizations from across the country who contend they have experienced harm through government actions, institutional neglect, and failures of oversight.

According to organizers, the People’s Grand Jury will focus on concerns involving probate courts, guardianships, conservatorships, child welfare systems, property rights, civil liberties, and what participants view as a growing disconnect between government institutions and the constitutional rights of the people they are sworn to serve.

NPRC is participating because many of the issues being examined mirror the concerns raised by advocates, victims, and families who have participated in its monthly town halls. For years, families have reported cases involving exploitation of elders, questionable guardianships, estate depletion, denial of due process, and a lack of meaningful oversight within probate court systems.

“This proceeding gives victims and advocates an opportunity to place their experiences on the public record,” said Tanya Dennis, lead facilitator of NPRC. “For too long, families have struggled to have their voices heard regarding elder abuse, probate exploitation, and government inaction. This forum allows those stories to be shared before a national audience.”

In keeping with principles of transparency and fairness, invitations have been extended to legislators, members of the judiciary, law enforcement representatives, and other public officials who may wish to respond to concerns raised during the proceedings or defend actions taken by their respective institutions.

One of the primary outcomes sought by organizers is public consideration and support for the People’s Remedy and Restoration Act, a proposed legislative framework that advocates believe would strengthen oversight, increase accountability, provide remedies for victims of governmental abuse, and restore constitutional protections.

The proceedings are expected to be broadcast nationally, providing citizens throughout the United States an opportunity to observe testimony, review evidence presented, and participate in an ongoing conversation regarding government accountability and the protection of individual rights.

Advocates hope the hearings will encourage meaningful dialogue, legislative reform, and renewed public engagement in the democratic process.

Individuals, organizations, public officials, and members of the media interested in attending or obtaining access information may contact the organizers at tollandroll2025@gmail.com.

As Americans continue to debate the future of constitutional governance, judicial accountability, and the protection of vulnerable citizens, the July proceedings are expected to serve as a significant forum for public testimony and civic engagement. For more information, go to https://tollandroll.com