Reveal

The loss of land for Black Americans started with the government’s betrayal of its “40 acres” promise to formerly enslaved people—and it has continued over decades. Today, researchers are unearthing the details of Black land loss long after emancipation. “They lost land due to racial intimidation, where they were forced off their land (to) take flight in the middle of the night and resettle someplace else,” said Karcheik Sims-Alvarado, an assistant professor of Africana studies at Morehouse College. “They lost it through overtaxation. They lost it through eminent domain…There's all these different ways that African Americans acquired and lost land.”It’s an examination of American history happening at the state, city, even county level as local government task forces are on truth-finding missions. Across the country, government officials ask: Can we repair a wealth gap for Black Americans that is rooted in slavery? And how?This week on Reveal, in honor of Black History Month, we explore the long-delayed fight for reparations.This is an update of an episode that originally aired in June 2024. Support Reveal’s journalism at Revealnews.org/donatenow Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get the scoop on new episodes at Revealnews.org/newsletter Connect with us onBluesky, Facebook and Instagram Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In this discussion, journalist Alexia Fernandez-Campbell, a leading voice at the Center for Public Integrity, unravels the compelling story of Skidaway Island, once a thriving Black community. The conversation dives into the heartbreaking loss of land promised to freedmen post-Civil War, revealing buried legal documents that highlight this historical injustice. Listeners learn about the journey of a descendant discovering her ancestor’s title, and the exploration of reparations for those affected by generations of land dispossession. It's a poignant reflection on legacy and equity.

Nadia Hamdan, a producer for Reveal and collaborator on the investigation into 40 Acres and a Mule, delves into the heart of systemic inequality faced by Black Americans. The discussion highlights the historical injustice of land grants to formerly enslaved individuals, as well as the lingering effects of generational trauma linked to land ownership. Personal narratives reveal the emotional weight of these injustices, while reflections on lineage and reparations underscore the ongoing struggle for equity in today's society.

A Haitian immigrant stumbles into a meatpacking plant, catalyzing a wave of job-seeking newcomers. This movement quickly faces allegations of human trafficking and exploitation. Immigrant workers confront grueling conditions, unsafe work environments, and harsh living situations, all while navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration policies. Personal stories reveal emotional struggles amidst aggressive deportation practices and the urgent call for accountability. The narrative highlights the vital contributions of undocumented labor, intertwined with challenges of resilience and community support.

Blossom Old Bull, a devoted mother from the Crow Indian Reservation, shares her heart-wrenching journey for justice after her son, Braven Glenn, died in a police chase. Samantha Michaels, a Mother Jones reporter, adds depth with her investigation into the sudden closure of the police department involved. They discuss the community's anguish, the failures of the tribal policing system, and Blossom’s relentless quest for truth amidst bureaucratic chaos. Their emotional stories highlight both personal loss and the glaring need for accountability within law enforcement.

Mike Ergo, a team leader for the US Marines Alpha Company during the Battle of Fallujah, shares a harrowing yet enlightening perspective on his wartime experiences. Alongside journalist Thomas Brennan, they discuss the moral complexities and emotional aftermath of combat. They reflect on the profound grief experienced by families and veterans, highlighting their struggles with loss and the quest for healing. Their stories reveal how the horrors of war shape lasting impressions, echoing a journey of resilience and reconnection in the wake of trauma.

Charles Duke Tanner, a former professional boxer and nonviolent drug offender, shares his compelling journey after his life sentence was commuted by President Trump. He discusses the intricate clemency process and highlights the long waits many applicants face. Tanner also reflects on the harsh realities of the war on drugs and its impact on African American communities. From his boxing triumphs to the emotional weight of incarceration, his story embodies the struggle for redemption and justice in the clemency landscape.

Dinah Rothenberg, a reporter from ACB Stories, dives deep into the plight of refugees in Greece. She discusses the harsh realities faced by migrants, like the emotional journey of Amali and her family fleeing Afghanistan. Rothenberg highlights the alarming crackdown on human rights defenders, with activists like Tommy Olsen being targeted. The troubling environment for asylum seekers is painted vividly, revealing a stark contrast between compassion and governmental hostility, culminating in a poignant reflection on lives lost in the pursuit of safety.

Chris Harland-Dunaway, a dedicated reporter, uncovers a harrowing wartime story as he speaks with Frank Hartzell, a veteran who witnessed the massacre of unarmed German prisoners at Chenogne during World War II. Hartzell shares his chaotic experiences in battle and the chilling orders of 'take no prisoners.' The discussion dives into the moral complexities of wartime actions, addressing uncomfortable truths about accountability. Together, they highlight the emotional burdens carried by veterans and the importance of confronting these hidden narratives.

Valentino Rodriguez, a correctional officer at New Folsom Prison, navigated a toxic work environment that ultimately led to his tragic death. His promotion to an elite unit investigating prison crimes turned into a nightmare, as he faced harassment and isolation from colleagues. His father's relentless search for the truth unveils deeper systemic issues within the correctional system. Alarming statistics on officer misconduct are discussed, alongside the need for reform inspired by Norway's rehabilitation model, highlighting the toll on families affected by this troubling environment.