Reparations Commission – June 10, 2024

Reparations Commission Meeting Recap: June 10, 2024

On June 10, 2024, the Asheville Community Reparations Commission (CRC) convened a special meeting to review outcomes from their recent retreat and outline next steps in their ongoing work addressing historical harms impacting Black Asheville residents. The meeting, open to public comment via phone call-in, focused on legal considerations and ensuring any future actions genuinely benefit the community. The CRC is a vital body working to address systemic inequities, and this meeting provided key updates on their progress.

A significant portion of the discussion centered around refining recommendations for reparations, particularly in light of legal considerations related to the 14th Amendment and Asheville’s non-discrimination ordinance. Commissioners emphasized the importance of carefully wording recommendations to address historical harms while ensuring legal defensibility, agreeing on phrases like "designed to benefit Black Asheville" or “with the goal to specifically benefit Black Asheville.” The retreat itself resulted in recommendations that were subsequently reviewed and, due to legal concerns raised by the City Attorney, required some revisions. A key point of contention and correction involved inaccuracies in the minutes from a previous meeting (May 13th), where discussions surrounding the 14th Amendment were omitted. The commission agreed to formally correct these minutes, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accuracy in their proceedings.

The meeting culminated in two significant votes. First, the commission voted unanimously (13 in favor, 2 abstaining) to request an extension of their work. The specific length of this extension will be determined in consultation with city and county officials, highlighting the collaborative nature of their efforts. Secondly, a draft language for this extension request was approved, paving the way for presentation to both city council and county commissioners. Several commissioners passionately voiced their support for continuing the reparations process, emphasizing the need to ensure any implemented actions truly benefit Black Asheville residents. Commissioner Keith Young highlighted a history of similar efforts and suggested exploring alternative structures, such as a non-profit organization, to potentially bypass some legal limitations.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, residents had the opportunity to share their perspectives via phone. Commissioners actively listened and responded to these comments, further demonstrating a commitment to community engagement. The CRC’s Community Engagement team will continue their outreach efforts, ensuring residents remain informed and involved in the process. Beyond ongoing discussions about reparations, the commission is also considering a proclamation to recognize the 100th anniversary of Stevens Lee High School, acknowledging the devastating fire and its lasting impact on the community. Finally, survey results demonstrating community support for reparations will be incorporated into their final report.

Looking ahead, the CRC has several key action items. They will continue refining their final report and presentation for submission to city council and county commissioners. CRC leadership (Chair and Vice Chair) will collaborate with local officials to finalize the extension request timeline, while the Community Engagement team continues their vital work. Residents can stay informed about the CRC's progress by visiting the City of Asheville website for updates and agendas, or by watching recordings of meetings on the city's YouTube channel. The CRC’s dedication to addressing historical inequities and ensuring a more equitable future for Black Asheville residents remains steadfast.