February focus on black history
40 acres and a mule

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Reparations for African Americans were first proposed in 1865 by Gen. William Sherman. During the Civil War, Sherman met with 20 black leaders, and based on their input, issued Special Field Order #15 on Jan. 16, 1865, setting aside a 30-mile tract of land in the South for the settlement of former slaves. Each family would get 40 acres and a mule to work the land. The order was introduced as Senate Bill 60 in February 1866 and needed the president's signature to become law. President Lincoln was assassinated in April, and Andrew Johnson vetoed the bill.

Spike Lee's company is called 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks.

— Leslie Fulbright

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