Reparations in Charleston

Charleston's history is rooted in the labor, displacement, and exploitation of enslaved African people. This legacy influences present day issues surrounding property ownership, economic prosperity, and race-based injustice through out the area. 

On this page you will find historical documents, declarations, research, and community led initiatives on reparative justice and Gullah Geechee stewardship in Charleston.

Historical Documents

The Sankofa Declarations 

The Sanfoka Declaration outlines a community-led call for reparative justice and land stewardship in the Charleston region. Issued by members of the Charleston Reparation Taskforce alongside Gullah Geechee descendants, the decleration connects historical extraction and displacement to ongoing struggles over land, housing, and community control.

Charleston Slavery Apology Resolution (2018)

In 2018, Charleston City Council formally acknowledged and apologized for the city's role in supporting and profiting from slavery. The resolution recognized the lasting harm caused by slavery and racial discrimination while committing to the contiued effort toward equity and historical acknowledgement.

Present Day Impact

Research & Documentation