Press release from City of Asheville:
The Community Reparations Commission is empowered to make short, medium, and long-term recommendations that will make significant progress toward repairing the damage caused by public and private systemic racism. The task of the Reparations Commission is to issue a report in a timely manner for consideration by the City, County, and other participating community groups for incorporation into their respective short-term and long-term priorities and plans.
Find the meeting recording on YouTube at this link.
Community Reparations Commission Meeting – January 9, 2023
I. Call to Order and Declaration of Quorum
Quorum is met.
Acknowledgement of MLK, Jr. Holiday next weekend.II. Roll Call
Roll was called.III. Action Item: Approval of Agenda
Agenda was approved.IV. Action Item: Approval of Minutes
Minutes were approved.V. Review of December 5th Meeting Survey Data
See linked report. Ten responses were received about Dec. 5 meeting.
Commission members will have documents ahead of time to review. Discussed possible future topics of discussion.VI. Old Business
a. Code of Ethics Review
Code of Ethics presented by Brad Branham, City Attorney for review.
b. Revisit Role of Commission and Definition of Reparations
Discussion of a broad definition or a legalistic definition. Dr. Mullen encouraged conversation outside of the commission meeting.
c. Immediate Recommendation to Stop the Harm Draft
Resolution to Asheville City Council and Buncombe County Commission
To be presented to Buncombe County Commission on February 7, 2023 and to Asheville City Council on January 24, 2023.
See linked draft. (Time stamp 0:28)VII. New Business
a. Guest Speaker – Tzedek Social Justice Fund
Marsha Davis (tentative) (Time stamp 1:09)a. Discuss Commission Onboarding
b. Review New Project Timeline and Recommendations
c.Proposal Template Draft
d. Annual report draft
Christine Edwards,Project Manager (Time stamp 1:32)d. Impact Focus Area (IFA) Updates (not recommendations)
i. Economic Development
ii. Education
Housing, Health and Wellness, Criminal Justice will present at February meeting
Dewana Little and IFA, Spokespersons (Time stamp 1:57)Roundtable Check-in with Commission Members
VIII. Public Comment (3 mins each)
No public comment.IX. XII. Wrap-Up
Adjourned at 8:07.NEXT MEETING: The next meeting of the Community Reparations Commission is scheduled for February 20, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Banquet Room: 87 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC 28801
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