LIVE @ Centering Racial Equity: AVL City Council Candidates Forum 09/09/20

Recap of Centering Racial Equity: AVL City Council Candidates Forum

On September 9, 2020, the Asheville community gathered for a crucial forum titled "Centering Racial Equity: AVL City Council Candidates Forum." This event, organized as part of a series of community-led meetings, provided a platform for candidates seeking seats on the Asheville City Council to address critical issues of racial equity within our city. The forum aimed to foster dialogue and understanding around historical context, current disparities, and potential solutions, particularly concerning the Black community. While no formal votes were taken, the discussions offered valuable insights into the candidates’ perspectives and highlighted key concerns shared by residents.

A significant portion of the forum centered on understanding Asheville’s history and its impact on present-day inequities. Discussions repeatedly returned to the story of Stevens Lee High School, a historically Black school that was demolished and replaced with a gymnasium. Speakers emphasized the importance of acknowledging this painful history as it directly relates to ongoing disparities in education, wealth building, and overall opportunity for Black Ashevilleans. The role of the YMI Cultural Center as a vital remnant of Black history and culture was also highlighted. Candidates were challenged to analyze the current state of racial equity in Asheville, with responses consistently pointing to disparities across education, housing, economic opportunity, policing, and healthcare. A dedicated segment addressed concerns from Black youth regarding access to extracurricular activities, safety, and educational opportunities – a testament to the importance of centering young voices in these conversations.

The forum sparked considerable debate regarding public safety and resource allocation, particularly concerning the Asheville Police Department (APD). Several candidates discussed the possibility of defunding or divesting from APD and reinvesting those funds into community-led programs. This proposal generated discussion about alternative approaches to public safety and the potential for a more community-centered approach. The concept of reparations also emerged as a key topic, with candidates exploring potential funding sources such as selling city-owned land and utilizing blended component units. Throughout the discussion, a recurring theme was the need for community-led solutions and accountability from city leaders.

Community members played a vital role in the forum, submitting questions and sharing personal experiences that underscored the urgency of systemic change. There was a palpable call for solutions driven by and accountable to the community, rather than imposed from above. Notable contributions came from Tawana Little (YMI Executive Director) who emphasized the importance of centering racial equity in all discussions, and from various residents who shared their lived experiences with inequity. Candidates like Sage Turner stressed the need to address 400 years of oppressive policies, while Rich Lee highlighted the historical wealth gap between Black and white families.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the forum. Candidates committed to following up on unanswered community questions and sharing responses through online platforms. The need for continued discussion on racial equity was emphasized, alongside a commitment to reimagine policing and explore alternative approaches to public safety. The possibility of establishing a reparations fund was also actively explored, with candidates considering various funding options. Residents are encouraged to participate in the city’s survey on reimagining police, a crucial step towards shaping future policies. Ultimately, this forum served as an important starting point for ongoing conversations about racial equity in Asheville, reinforcing the need for extensive community engagement and a commitment to systemic change.

This forum matters because it directly addresses the historical and ongoing challenges faced by Black residents of Asheville, and sets the stage for crucial conversations about how our city can move towards a more just and equitable future. The candidates' responses, combined with the powerful voices of community members, provide a roadmap for action and highlight the importance of holding elected officials accountable to these commitments.