Palm Springs, California, approved a $5.9 million reparations offer for former residents of a neighborhood destroyed in the 1960s.
The neighborhood, Section 14, was destroyed for commercial development, The New York Times reported. The area’s residents were primarily black and Latino.
A larger reparations package of $21 million is also being considered for housing and economic programs.
Margarita Genera, 86, told The Times, “We have been fighting for a long time to tell our story.” She lived the section when its destruction occurred.
Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein said the city council is “deeply gratified that the former residents of Section 14 have agreed to accept what we believe is a fair and just settlement offer.”
“The City Council has always respected the historical significance of Section 14, and with this resolution of the claim … we are taking bold and important action that will create lasting benefits for our entire community, while providing programs that prioritize support for the former residents of Section 14,” he added.
According to KESQ, Palm Springs may rename a community park and erect a monument to honor former Section 14 residents. The city may also feature a “racial healing center.”
