Sen. Bernie Sanders received applause from the NAACP convention after explaining to the audience why he was against slave reparations.

Moderator April Ryan asked the presidential hopeful why he was against "reparations for descendants of African slaves."

"Here’s my fear about reparations, and I understand the issue, and I’m on board the legislation that will study the issue," the Vermont independent said at the Wednesday event. "Here’s my fear: The Congress gives the African American community a $20,000 check, and says, 'Thank you, that took care of slavery, we don’t have to worry about anything more.' I think that’s wrong, I want to build, rebuild the distressed communities in America."

"Thank you for that explanation," Ryan said as the crowd applauded Sanders.

Sanders answer was a reiteration of the stance he took in March on reparations.

"I think that right now our job is to address the crises facing the American people in our communities, and I think there are better ways to do that than just writing out a check," he said on ABC's The View.



Bernie Sanders on reparations on The View: "I think that right now our job is to address the crises facing the American people in our communities, and I think there are better ways to do that than just writing out a check." pic.twitter.com/FXso34iSbs — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 1, 2019



While the 77-year-old senator currently opposes slave reparations, Sanders said he supported Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee's bill to make a commission to study the issue.

Sanders is currently tied for second at 15% in polling for the Democratic presidential primary, according to RealClearPolitics.

