Reparations Commission – March 11, 2024

Reparations Commission Meeting Recap – March 11, 2024

On March 11, 2024, the Reparations Commission held a virtual meeting open to public participation via phone and livestream. The meeting focused on ongoing community engagement efforts, reviewing recommendations from the Housing & Economic Development Independent Facilitation Areas (IFAs), and hearing perspectives from community members. While no formal votes were taken, the discussion highlighted key priorities for the commission’s work moving forward.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update from Bernicia regarding the Community Engagement Committee's progress. The committee is working diligently to gather community feedback on proposed initiatives, finalizing a reporting template and QR code for easy participation. Future virtual meetings are planned on Thursdays to encourage commission member involvement, with a focus on reaching out to public housing communities and developing a comprehensive calendar of engagement activities. Recognizing the need for broader support, a separate committee is being formed to connect with local nonprofits and funders to explore potential partnerships.

Salah presented recommendations from the Housing & Economic Development IFAs, emphasizing joint initiatives centered around land acquisition (including exploring options like returning urban renewal land and the dollar lot program), financial literacy campaigns to promote Black homeownership, and crucially, establishing a system of accountability. The presentation drew inspiration from successful programs like the Asheville-Buncombe Community Land Trust and NACA, highlighting models for achieving tangible results. A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the importance of establishing a clear entity to manage reparations efforts, particularly due to legal requirements surrounding land conveyance. The conversation also touched on the need for community-oriented policing and engagement with local law enforcement as part of a holistic approach.

During the public comment period, residents voiced concerns about declining Black populations in Asheville and strongly advocated for robust accountability mechanisms. Dee Williams underscored the necessity of establishing a 501c3 entity to ensure legal compliance and effective implementation. Several speakers emphasized the importance of early intervention programs targeting youth, addressing disparities in school discipline to build a more equitable future.

Looking Ahead: Several key action items emerged from the meeting, shaping the commission’s immediate and future work. Commission members are encouraged to actively participate in upcoming community engagement meetings, providing valuable input and support. The Community Engagement Committee will continue refining its reporting tools and expanding outreach efforts. A new committee focused on engaging with public/private partners will be formed, seeking to leverage external resources and expertise. Most importantly, the commission will continue exploring options for establishing a clear entity to manage reparations efforts – potentially through collaboration with an Accountability Task Force. Finally, commission members are encouraged to respond to upcoming surveys providing feedback on the presented recommendations. The Carter Development Group will present their cease-to-harm audit report at the next meeting, providing further context for these ongoing discussions.

This work matters to Asheville residents because it directly addresses historical injustices and seeks to create a more equitable community. The Reparations Commission's efforts, particularly the focus on community engagement and accountability, are designed to ensure that any future actions are responsive to the needs and desires of those most impacted by systemic inequities. The upcoming discussions regarding land acquisition, homeownership initiatives, and a clear management structure will be crucial in shaping the future of reparations efforts in Asheville.