Ep. 191: Reparations in Action: Building Racial Equity in Tacoma

In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Jordan, a Black, queer activist with deep ties to Tacoma’s Hilltop community and Laurie Arnold, an educator and longtime social justice advocate focused on racial justice. Together with a cohort of strong women, lead Tacoma Does Reparations, a grassroots initiative dedicated to reparative payments for Black womxn living in Tacoma. This conversation dives into the organization's origins, the scope of their work, and their vision for racial equity. Listeners will hear about the concept of reparations, both broadly and specifically in the context of Tacoma. Laurie and Nicole discuss past reparative efforts as models for the Tacoma initiative, common misconceptions and challenges they’ve faced. Most importantly we explore why reparations are essential to addressing racial wealth disparities. 

• Find out more at Tacoma Does Reparations 

• Check out their Patreon

Do Your Fudging Homework:

• Laurie: Race: Power of an Illusion, PBS; New Jim Crow

• Nicole: Pause and think about the black women in your life

• Hope:  The Case for Reparations, Ta’Nehisi Coates

• Annie: Check out the Tacoma Does Reparations Instagram and learn more about the importance of this work in our community.