Racial Justice Coalition of Asheville to Dissolve

The Racial Justice Coalition of Asheville, Inc., has announced its intent to dissolve and will be donating assets to Reparations Stakeholder Authority of Asheville.

The Racial Justice Coalition of Asheville (RJC) has been a leader in the greater Asheville-Buncombe community for the past seven years, working to combat racism, shift power dynamics, and reallocate resources. We have mainly fulfilled our mission by addressing issues crucial to those most affected by systemic racism and oppression, collaborating with Coalition supporters and community members. RJC has been at the forefront of efforts to address police use of excessive force, promote transparency and accountability in city and county government, educate voters, and engage with communities regarding the reparations movement in Asheville.

Learn more about the Racial Justice Coalition of Asheville at www.rjcavl.org.

After successfully operating for over a decade and shifting our focus to reparations education, the board of directors voted unanimously to continue the mission toward racial justice by dissolving and distributing remaining assets to the Reparations Stakeholder Authority of Asheville (RSAA) “an independent, Black-led institution that guides the distribution of reparations funds in response to community input.”

The decision to dissolve the RJC was not taken lightly. It resulted from a thorough and transparent process, with the board of directors unanimously agreeing that this was the best way to continue our mission toward racial justice. We remain committed to ensuring a smooth and responsible dissolution process, prioritizing the community’s continued well-being and the responsible use of the organization’s remaining assets.

Our mission prioritizes racial justice and will continue to be fulfilled without duplicating the work or competing for shrinking resources in Asheville’s ever-decreasing African American/Black population, which is currently about 9.7% (9,214) compared to 80.1% (76,088) of our white siblings. (www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/ashevillecitynorthcarolina/PST045224)

Beginning June 30, 2025, and after all liabilities have been paid, the RJC will transfer the remaining assets and support to the Reparations Stakeholder Authority of Asheville. This sister non-profit shares our mission and was created by and for Black Ashevillians as a ‘community reparations finance authority.’ This organization aims to strengthen the local reparations movement through national networking, education, and collaboratively envisioning and creating reparations specific to Asheville.

The donation of assets, including equipment, funds, and office items, will significantly boost RSAA’s capacity to uplift Black communities. This donation will enable RSAA to expand its programs and serve more individuals in need. RSAA has a strong track record dedicated to distributing reparations funds to Black citizens in Buncombe County through Justice.Repair.Community.

To transition, the board of RJC is actively working closely with RSAA to facilitate the transfer of assets. RJC will gradually wind down its operations, ensuring a smooth transition and minimizing any disruption to the community. Bank accounts will be closed, and all remaining liabilities will be addressed.

The Racial Justice Coalition is deeply grateful to a wide range of stakeholders, including Coalition Supporters, other volunteers, funders, former staff, and others, who have supported RJC in multiple ways throughout the years and continue to support this vital reparations ecosystem. Your contributions have been invaluable, and we are thankful for your ongoing support.

We are excited about the Reparations Stakeholder Authority of Asheville (RSAA) and how they will continue this justice movement, and we are confident that this donation will have a lasting positive impact on the community. We wish the Reparations Stakeholder Authority of Asheville (RSAA) the best in its continued mission to empower and uplift Black communities, address systemic racism, and foster healing, justice, and equity. They envision a future where the United States has fully atoned for the harms of slavery and other forms of systemic racism.

For more information about the Reparations Stakeholder Authority of Asheville, please visit www.rsaasheville.org.