Reparations and Racism: A Debate by Melat Quiros

In a recent debate, Melat Quiros, a socialist candidate for Congress, argued that the United States cannot effectively tackle “white supremacy” without implementing reparations. Quiros, who won a primary victory against long-serving Democratic Congresswoman Diana DeGette in Colorado’s 1st Congressional District, shared her views in a discussion with Walter Rhyne.

She expressed her belief that racism is, in part, a result of living in a society that upholds white supremacy. “One reason I started my doctoral program was realizing that without reparations, addressing white supremacy would be impossible,” she mentioned, insisting that true healing and progress would be unattainable without reparative measures.

Quiros examined data on racial wealth disparities, indicating that the divide between impoverished and affluent whites mirrors the gap found between poor and wealthy Black individuals. She reasoned that the overarching chasm between Black and white Americans could largely be traced back to the failures of the Reconstruction era and our collective inability to repair historical damage.

Furthermore, she argued that the effects of this historical damage have compounded over time, contributing to many wealth inequalities present today.

She emphasized the need for Americans to comprehend “where” harm occurs and to effectively “quantify racism.” Quiros also suggested that a new term might be necessary to better describe “white supremacy.”

“I feel like we need a different word. Traditional racism stems from hatred and genuine prejudice, while another kind manifests from growing up in a white supremacist framework,” she noted, asserting that America is, in fact, “objectively a white supremacist society.”

Quiros highlighted that many individuals may unknowingly harbor these racist stereotypes and that it’s crucial to differentiate to reduce fear around discussing race. This acknowledgment would also facilitate the understanding that racism can exist across all groups.

“There’s even anti-Black sentiment among Black individuals, and grasping this complexity is essential before we can genuinely advocate for reparations,” she concluded, reiterating that real change may hinge on the need for reparative action.

In addition to her views on racism, Quiros has adopted some far-reaching positions, including her support for a “trans bill of rights,” a proposal for an expedited pathway to citizenship for all undocumented immigrants, and her stance that abortion is crucial for “economic freedom.”