Nikcole Cunningham, a member of San Francisco's reparations advisory committee, has ignited a firestorm with her pointed criticisms of White men and their historical role in racial injustice. The committee, formed in 2020, is exploring the possibility of granting $5 million to each eligible Black resident as a form of reparations for slavery.

Cunningham's comments, reported by various news outlets including The Telegraph, accuse White men of being a societal danger, citing their overrepresentation in mass shootings and other violent crimes. She argues that White people, in general, continue to benefit from the historical injustices perpetrated by their ancestors.

A crowd gathers at a reparations rally in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

Cunningham's statements have drawn considerable backlash, particularly her assertion that White people have hindered rather than helped the reparations movement. She described historical scenes of White people passively observing the suffering of Black individuals. Cunningham maintains that her intention is to compel White people to confront their historical legacy and actively contribute to achieving racial equality.

Reparations remain a contentious issue in California. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

The debate surrounding reparations in California has intensified in recent years, marked by heated exchanges at public forums. While some advocate for substantial financial compensation, others, including Governor Gavin Newsom, believe addressing the legacy of slavery requires a more comprehensive approach than monetary payments alone.

San Francisco's diverse architectural landscape. (PHILIP PACHECO/AFP via Getty Images)

Events such as the 2020 death of George Floyd, the ensuing protests, and the Supreme Court's decision on affirmative action have further fueled the discussion about race and equality in the United States.