Are African Americans entitled to reparations? Why or why not?

Many politicians have proposed reparations for the descendants of slaves, arguing that African Americans continue to face inequality as a result of slavery. This inequality extends to African Americans' economic, social, and political rights and situation. Proponents of reparations also point out that American society continues to be plagued by racism and lack of complete integration. Many proponents of reparations believe that African Americans should receive checks from the federal government, while others believe that reparation payments should take other forms. Opponents of reparations have suggested that African Americans are better off pursuing greater equality by using the law instead of receiving checks from the government. There is no doubt, however, that payments to African Americans would help rectify the financial inequality that African Americans have long faced as a result of having fewer educational and job opportunities.