How much would 40 acres and a mule, adjusted for inflation, plus
interest, add up to today?

Any descendant of black slaves gets free tuition at a University of
their choice.  The Reperations for Slavery Scholarship.  College
education is probably the greatest leverage that we can afford any young
person for upward social mobility.

Any descendant of black slaves get free healthcare.  I just heard on the
radio someone claim that the New England Journal of Medicine concluded
that the Middle Passage selected for people who could retain salt,
leaving their descendants at a higher risk of hypertension and heart
disease.

Any descendant of black slaves is eligible for an inflation-interest
loan to purchase up to 40 acres of land.  Home ownership gives a family
roots, with which to raise successive generations.

The general idea?  Black Americans need economic self-sufficiency,
upward social mobility, and health.  Blacks need education, healthcare,
and land.

And, since it has been 150 years in coming, it ought to be a more
long-lasting institution than a single payment.  Generations ought to be
eligible for these opportunities - a lot of folks on the bottom aren't
going to be able to take advantage of a college scholarship, or a home
loan, but perhaps their kids can come up with their eyes on a prize.