RATIONALLY ACQUIRING REPARATIONS
If any problem is too large for you, break it down into smaller pieces, that you can handle, then begin to building your solution from there, bit by bit, until you have it solved.
This thought occurred to me as I ruminated upon the question of reparations for black Americans. We often look to the government for restitution, ignoring individuals.
But, the Bible allegorically tells us, describes the Hebrews borrowing from the Egyptians, as individuals, in the book of Exodus 12:35, until they had what they required: the resources needed to get away from their former oppressors, en masse:
"The Israelites did as Moses instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold and for clothing."
Exodus 12:36 then adds, "The Lord had made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, so they gave them what they asked for; they plundered the Egyptians."
Reinforcing familiar Biblical allegory are far less-than-familiar historical facts from our African American history, respecting receipts of reparations.
Shirley Graham in her biographical classic, BOOKER T. WASHINGTON EDUCATOR OF HAND HEAD AND HEART (1955), writes on it clearly :
"'I'm Jabez Curry, live in Talladega County. Been hearing about what you were doing down here. Thought I'd drop in and see for myself. Must say it looks fine.'
"'We're only making a beginning , sir.' Washington waved his hand toward the field. 'We hope to plow this all up and get it under cultivation soon, so as to secure some return from it and at the same time give the students training in agriculture.'
"'Very good. Very good indeed! I understand you made the down payment on the land from your own pocket, Washington.' Curry spoke casually.
"I was very fortunate in being able to borrow the amount ,' Washington told him modestly. He smiled. 'I didn't have that much in my own pocket.'
"'But it's your personal loan. You'll have to pay it back yourself until the money is raised,' insisted the other.
"'Oh, but we'll get it, sir!' Washington said enthusiastically, and told how the money was slowly coming in.
"'And then what?' he asked.
"Washington's voice was apologetic. 'Of course, Mr. Curry, we need everything--plows and mules and carts. But all I can think of at the moment is that we must start erecting a building as soon as possible.' ...
"Ten days later, as he was hurrying through the center of town Washington heard someone calling him. He turned and saw Mr. Campbell, who had pulled his buggy to a stop and was waving his whip.
"'Just a minute, young man! I've got good news for you.' The merchant banker sounded jubilant.
"Washington hurried to the side of his of the buggy.
"'How do you do, Mr. Campbell. I didn't see you.'
"'That's alright, Washington. You're a busy man. Well, let me tell you that your two-thousand dollar annual appropriation has been increased to three thousand--beginning 'this month!''
"'Oh! Oh, sir!' Washington couldn't say anything else .
"'Yes! You see, J. L. M. Curry is general agent of the Peabody Fund. That fund has recently been set up for the express purpose of aiding educational institutions. This additional one thousand dollars is the result of Mr. Curry's report to the Peabody Assembly. You and your school made quite an impression on the Peabody agent!'
"Yes, it was a good year. Three months after Mr. Marshall made his generous loan, Washington paid it back. Seven months after the owner of the land agreed to let the school take over the plantation , he received his final payment of two hundred and fifty dollars."
P. 145-147
Combined the sage approaches of the Israelites in Exodus 12 and of Booker T. Washington in Tuskegee, Alabama, show what can be done by private means with respect to achieving certain desired ends. No need to wait exclusively on the government, when one's own people, and when others favorably disposed mutually buy in with you!
