In today’s Race + Power newsletter, we conclude Black History Month by sharing a series about the history, narrative, and political stakes of work requirements in public benefits programs—and how to end them. First, work requirements are not just a modern policy forcing people to work for public benefits today—they’re tied to the history of slavery and its aftermath. Next, how work requirements are not only bad for people, but also for the economy. Then, the long legacy of harmful narratives that keep these racist policies alive today. Finally, we offer a resource guide for Black women written by Heliana Ramirez, PhD, LISW, in honor of Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey, a beloved and respected leader at Lincoln University who took her own life after experiencing abuse at her workplace.