The Importance of Community Involvement in the Reparations Process

1. Authentic Representation and Voices: Our experiences and voices should guide these reforms,” insists a local advocate. This underscores the necessity for community-led initiatives, where the voices of those directly affected lead the conversation and shape the solutions.
2. Transparency and Trust: “Transparency isn’t just a word; it’s the foundation of trust,” notes a community elder. Building a fair, transparent, and trusted justice system requires open communication and policies that genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of the Black community.
3. Concrete Actions Over Promises: “We need to see actions, not just hear promises,” reflects a young resident. The community seeks tangible changes, not just rhetorical commitments. Manifesting these changes is essential for rebuilding trust and demonstrating a real commitment to justice.
4. Inclusive Policy Revisions: Policies that disproportionately impact Black residents need urgent revision. A local activist emphasizes, “Policies that disproportionately impact Black residents aren’t just unfair; they undermine the very fabric of justice.” Reform must be inclusive and equitable.
5. Utilizing Community Insights: “Behind every statistic, there’s a story, a life affected by these policies,” shares a community leader. Humanizing data and incorporating personal experiences into policy discussions highlight the real-world impacts of systemic issues, ensuring reforms are grounded in lived realities.
6. Empowerment Through Resources: “Investing in training using reparations funds can be a powerful way to address past injustices,” suggests a community member. Adequate reparations involve financial compensation and investment in community development, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
7. Sustainable and Long-term Solutions: Addressing generational harm requires sustainable solutions. One community voice advocates, “If we’re not going to have a blank check, I would like to see a lot of resources put into education, healthcare, and economic development.”
8. Community Oversight and Equity Audits: Establishing community oversight committees and regular equity audits in law enforcement and other institutions are steps toward fairness and understanding. This ensures accountability and continuous improvement in addressing systemic biases.
9. Mental and Emotional Health: The importance of addressing mental and emotional health is highlighted by the community: “The emotional stress on Black people here, when they constantly are in hostile environments, is immense.” Reparations must also focus on healing these deep psychological wounds.
10. Youth and Future Generations: Emphasizing the role of youth, a resident states, “More job opportunities or higher wages, just equal opportunities to certain types of programs. The information, because without the information, you will never know about the programs.” Involving younger generations ensures the sustainability of reparative efforts.

Asheville can take meaningful steps toward justice, equity, and healing by centering the reparations process around the community’s voices and needs. Community involvement not only legitimizes the process but also ensures that reparations address the true breadth of harm experienced and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future. 

*All quotes are taken from the Every Black Voice report.