00:00But like many cities across this country, Chicago still bears the scars of systemic
00:05racism and injustices that have been inflicted on our communities. We've seen them in highways
00:11that cut through black neighborhoods and the industries, of course, that flock to these
00:16neighborhoods often contributing to increased pollution and poor health outcomes. We see it
00:21in the trauma, of course, that is caused by gun violence. But we also saw it firsthand with the
00:27gross disinvestment that was intentional by previous administrations. And so beautiful
00:32neighborhoods like mine, the Austin neighborhood, has seen many health disparities, the lack of
00:41nutritious food, the lack of employment opportunity, the disinvestment in our communities have been
00:47intentional. And of course, that's why it's imperative that it is now the time to deliver
00:54good on reparations for people of Chicago, particularly black people, the city of Chicago.
01:03Because even as I stand here today as mayor, the legacy of slavery and the aftermath still
01:09echoes today. We saw it when previous administrations sold off public assets.
01:16We saw the harm when previous administrations closed black schools, and they shut down public
01:21housing, when they raided the pensions, these anti-black, anti-business endeavors that have
01:27caused tremendous harm and pain. It's a painful reminder of the unjust incarceration system that
01:33we have and the mistreatment of black people in particular through our so-called criminal system.
01:40Reparations will be an investment in our neighborhoods and our people.
01:44Reparations will unlock the doors for prosperity to fully flow through the neighborhoods that have
01:51been disinvested in for decades. And as we grapple with the challenges and the hard-fought victories
01:57to get to this point, we must never forget our goal to make sure that reparations become a reality
02:03for black residents of this city. We are a powerful people, particularly when we come together,
02:10whether it's through slavery or segregation, systemic racism, the disparities, the mass
02:14incarceration, we have stayed in this fight. We have remained resilient. We will not be turned
02:21around. We will not allow our people to continue to be subject to the painful reminder of what
02:27anti-blackness has done to the people of this city and to this country. We will allow our people
02:34to make sure that they can grow and that the harm that has been done against our people
02:38for generations, that we can bring that to an end. It's important to remember that reparations
02:44will not only serve for the benefit of black people, but the entire neighborhood in which
02:49black people exist in. We will create inclusive opportunities so that we all can win.
02:55Reparations will ultimately help us build a better, stronger, safer Chicago.
03:08Thank you.
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