Reparations for slavery were due. As someone who loves a good story and history is our story, and as someone who grew up surrounded by bigots, I would never argue that reparations weren't due. But they have been paid. There were paid in the blood of those who fought to end slavery. They were paid by those who fought to end the legal sanctions of bigotry. Although bigots still exist, systemic bigotry and discrimination ended with the Civil Rights Act. It will not return no matter how hard Democrats may try.