Evanston Launches $1.1 Million Reparations Program for Black Residents

City to distribute $25,000 payments to 44 individuals who experienced housing discrimination

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The city of Evanston, Illinois has launched a $1.1 million reparations program that will provide $25,000 payments to 44 Black residents who experienced housing discrimination between 1919 and 1969. The payments are intended to be used for housing expenses as part of the city's effort to address historical racial injustices.

Why it matters

Evanston's reparations program is one of the first of its kind in the United States, as cities and states grapple with how to address the lasting impacts of systemic racism and discrimination. The program aims to provide direct financial assistance to those harmed by discriminatory housing policies, a key driver of the racial wealth gap.

The details

Under the program, 44 Black residents of Evanston will receive $25,000 each, for a total of $1.1 million in payouts. The recipients are descendants of individuals who experienced housing discrimination in the city between 1919 and 1969. The funds can be used for home repairs, mortgage payments, down payments on property, and other housing-related expenses.

  • Evanston's Reparations Committee announced the first round of payments last week.
  • The payments are part of a broader $10 million reparations initiative launched by the city in 2021.

The players

Evanston Reparations Committee

The committee overseeing the city's reparations program and determining eligibility for payments.

Cynthia Vargas

Evanston's communications and community engagement manager, who provided details on the reparations program.

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What they’re saying

“More than a million dollars will soon be doled out to black residents of Evanston, Illinois, under the city's reparations program.”

— Cynthia Vargas, Evanston Communications and Community Engagement Manager (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

Evanston plans to continue distributing reparations payments in future years as part of its $10 million initiative. The city is exploring additional ways to address historical racial inequities through policy changes and investments in the Black community.

The takeaway

Evanston's reparations program represents a significant step forward in the national conversation around how governments can provide redress for the lasting harms of slavery, segregation, and discriminatory policies. While the program faces some legal and political challenges, it demonstrates a commitment to tangible action to bridge the racial wealth gap.