reparations are necessary. >> for 250 years, black americans were legally unable to gain any wealth. that was followed by a 100-year period where black americans were legally discriminated against in every aspect of american life. >> reporter: black people freed after the civil war were initially offered 40 acres and a mule for compensation under president abraham lincoln. but it was soon scrapped. today's scholars estimate that would be equal to between 12 and $35 trillion in value, but disagree over the individual amount. >> about $70,000, which is the average gap in wealth between white americans and black americans. >> i'm supposed to put my hand out and what's my price? >> reporter: for professor shelby steel, whose grandfather was enslaved -- >> my biggest problem with reparations is that it undermines the dignity of those