In the initial parts of "The Case for Reparations," Ta-Nehisi Coates asserts that addressing reparations is crucial for acknowledging the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Black Americans. He discusses how the legacies of slavery and segregation have fostered a system of enduring privilege. Coates highlights that the wealth produced from these injustices has never been equitably shared with Black Americans. He illustrates how practices such as redlining and discriminatory housing policies have exacerbated the economic disparities between Black and White Americans, with the impacts of these policies still resonating in Black communities today. To establish his credibility, Coates draws his extensive knowledge of American history and racial inequities, presenting detailed historical analyses and supporting data. Through sharing his own experiences and those of others impacted by racial discrimination, he cultivates trust with his audience and shows a profound personal commitment to the topic. The interviewer engages by asking for clarification, and pushing a wider conversation about the broader implications of Coates' argument.