How much of their lineage is one family willing to unearth in order to participate in the nations first federal reparations program?

Every American waits with bated breath to see whether or not the countrys first female president will pass the Forgiveness Act. The bill would allow Black families to claim up to $175,000 if they can prove they are the descendants of slaves, and for ambitious single mother Willie Revel the bill could be a long-awaited form of redemption. A decade ago, Willie gave up her burgeoning journalism career to help run her fathers struggling construction company in Philadelphia and she has reluctantly put family first, without being able to forget who she might have become.Now shes back living with her parents and her young daughter while trying to keep her family from going into bankruptcy. Could the Forgiveness Act uncover her forgotten roots while also helping save their beloved home and her fathers lifes work?

In order to qualify, she must first prove that the Revels are descended from slaves, but the rest of the family isnt as eager to dig up the past. Her mother is adopted, her father doesnt trust the government and believes working with a morally corrupt employer is the better way to save their business,and her daughter is just trying to make it through the fifth grade at her elite private school without attracting unwanted attention. Its up to Willie to verify their ancestry and save her familybut as she delves into their history, Willie begins to learn just how complicated family and forgiveness can be.

With powerful insight and moving prose,Acts of Forgivenessasks how history shapes who we become and considers the weight of success when it is achieved despite incredible oddsand ultimately what leaving behind a legacy truly means.