The Virginia Theological Seminary’s (VTS) ongoing effort to pay $1.7 million in reparations to the descendants of those enslaved at the school was highlighted this week in the New York Times.
The reparations program was launched in 2019, but the school started to issue payments to more than a dozen families in February.
“The checks, about $2,100 this year, will come annually and have begun to flow to the descendants of those Black workers,” the New York Times reported. “The money has been pulled from a $1.7 million fund, which is set to grow at the rate of the seminary’s large endowment. Though just 15 people have received payments so far, that number could grow by the dozens as genealogists pore through records to find living descendants.”
Alexandria City Council member John Chapman, who also leads a local Black history tour company, said the Seminary’s work is a good first step.
“It’s a phenomenal thing to do,” Chapman said, “to do the research to connect with descendants and to figure out how best to make that reparation. It’s an amazing step and I hope more organizations do the work to know their history.”
Georgetown University across the river has made similar plans to implement reparations for past slave ownership. Chapman also warned that organizations hoping to make progress on reparations plans may need a contingency plan should backlash erupt within their groups. VTS President and Dean Rev. Ian S. Markham, for instance, told the New York Times that there was pushback from some donors.
“It would be great to have a template, but every organization needs to look at best practices for themselves,” Chapman said. “Like [VTS] or Georgetown, you have to fully lean into it. Every organization is going to have to commit, because there are going to be factions that are opposed to it.”
Recent Stories
It was a big week for getting a glimpse at Alexandria’s future. At a meeting this week, Deputy Director for Infrastructure and Environmental Quality Bill Skrabak offered an in-depth look…
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has unveiled the bluebell and cherry blossom-inspired art that will wrap around the exterior of the new Potomac Yard Metro station. Artist Rob…
A 2 BD/2 BA renovated townhome with an open floor plan, patio and fenced backyard in featured in Just Listed.
Alexandria transportation officials say that a pilot program to ease evening congestion on and around Duke Street is working and they want to make the changes permanent. City staff announced…
St. Paul’s Episcopal Preschool, a play-based, half-day preschool in the heart of Old Town, Alexandria has limited openings for the ’23-’24 school year.
SPEP offers:
- 18 month old – Kindergarten classes
- Full day Kindergarten option (3 days/week)
- Early Care
- Transportation (ages 3+)
- Weekly Field Trips (ages 3+)
- Financial Aid available
Monarch Montessori School located in the heart of Del Ray is enrolling children 6 weeks to 6 years of age for our half day and full day program.
Our hours of operation are 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday-Friday. Monarch Montessori School is open year round, with intermittent breaks.
Children engage in self-directed, self-initiated activities under the guidance of a trained Montessori teacher. Classroom sizes range from 8-12 students. Our robust curriculum includes botany, sensorial activities, the social graces, culture, math, science, practical life, geography, music appreciation and language arts.
You’ll get half off of the registration fee when you register and begin care with us before April 30, 2023.
Del Ray Dog Fest & Yappy Hour
The 1st Annual Del Ray Dog Fest is a fun outdoor event that will include dog-centered activities, dog menu items, live music, vendors and food on Sunday, April 2 from 11am- 3pm at the George Washington Middle School parking lot.
