Illinois city hands out $25K cash payments to 44 Black residents through reparations program

Fox News Channel ^ | February 10, 2026 | Joshua Q. Nelson

[WhiteHatBobby0701]

Listen to this article 3 min

Evanston, Illinois. will issue $25,000 to 44 residents in reparations payments, the City’s Reparations Committee has announced.

Established in 2019 and approved by the City Council in 2021, the program issues $25,000 direct cash payments to Black residents and descendants of Black residents who lived in Evanston between 1919 and 1969.

Evanston was the first city in the nation to pass a reparations plan, pledging $10 million over a decade to Black residents.

The payments are intended to cover housing expenses, Evanston official Cynthia Vargas told the Chicago Tribune.

---

TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Culture/Society; Government; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: evanston; freemoney; illinois; race; reparation; ripoff; scam

[WhiteHatBobby0701]

This is the halfway point from the high wage floor to universal basic income, and the UBI is given based on race only.

[faithhopecharity]

racists. but alas, Illinois has lots of racists in its political offices

[Mark17]

I wonder if that city will have mass exodus?

[Blueflag]

For anyone else, this would be a taxable event. It would, therefore, affect eligibility for other programs...

BE wary when the government giveth.

[Blueflag]

Define “Black” in terms a court will uphold.

[ProgressingAmerica]

People tell me I over react to the 1619 Project.

[hole_n_one]

The payments are intended to cover housing expenses, but realistically, we know it will most likely go for KOOLS, malt liquor, hair weaves and ultra-long press on nails, Evanston official Cynthia Vargas told the Chicago Tribune.

[V_TWIN]

How does one go about qualifying for being “black”?

I’ve seen many “African Americans” that are as white as I am.......the Carolinas are lousy with ‘em....so what exactly is the criteria?

[Jeff Chandler]

Unconstitutional discrimination.

[lee martell]

Rachel D. wants to know if you identify as being black, will that be enough to get reparations?

[FlingWingFlyer]

Illinois has always been screwing over blacks when they are not being murdered with a good old Illinois Driveby.

[I-ambush]

Of course Evanston would have a reparations committee.

[US_MilitaryRules]

2 words come to mind! Ask and 4!

[alternatives?]

What difference does it make what the payments are “intended for”? That is a feel good statement. They are paying them $25,000. They can do what they want with it. They should get sued and shun by civilized society.