Intelligence Squared

The Sunday Debate: Should the West pay Reparations for Slavery?

Oct 24, 2021

Kehinde Andrews, a Black Studies professor, argues passionately for reparations, highlighting the need for historical acknowledgment and healing. Esther Stanford-Xosei, a reparations activist, supports this view, emphasizing collective responsibility. On the opposing side, Katharine Birbalsingh warns that reparations might exacerbate social tensions, advocating for empowerment instead. Tony Sewell reinforces self-reliance, drawing lessons from Ethiopia's success. The discussion navigates complex moral, historical, and social implications, leaving listeners to ponder the future of reparative justice.

01:08:11

Creator website

Episode guests

Esther Stanford-Xosei

Tony Sewell

Kehinde Andrew

Katharine Birbalsingh

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

The Reparations Debate: History and Accountability

28min

The Case for Reparations: A Dialogue on Historical Injustices

5min

Empowerment Over Reparations

11min

Exploring Reparations and Historical Injustices

3min

Reparations and Historical Accountability in Africa

16min

Debate Results and Public Sentiment Shift on Reparations

2min

Should there be a broad programme of reparations – not just financial compensation, but acknowledgement of the crimes committed and the lasting damage caused by slavery? Or would this just worsen social tensions by reopening old wounds? That's the theme of this week's Sunday Debate. Arguing for the motion were Kehinde Andrews, Professor of Black Studies at Birmingham City University; and Esther Stanford-Xosei, reparations activist and lawyer. Arguing against the motion were Katharine Birbalsingh, headmistress and co-founder of Michaela Community School in London; and Tony Sewell, educational consultant and CEO of the charity Generating Genius. The debate was chaired by social historian and presenter Emma Dabiri.

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