Asheville Reparations Could Be Real — or Another Broken Promise

By Rob Thomas –

The local reparations process in Asheville and Buncombe County is entering its final phase, and there are troubling signs that it won’t yield the meaningful change promised. City and County staff have argued that programs and policies that specifically target Black people in this region are legally prohibitive, a position that threatens to make a mockery of the whole enterprise.

Race-neutral reparations cannot be considered real reparations. The good news is that there are established legal approaches that would deliver reparations to Black residents. The City of Asheville has already used such an approach on a more limited scale. It’s an important moment for those committed to racial justice to stand up together and persuade the City and County to follow through on what they promised in 2020.

The Reparations Commission

To understand the present moment, it’s essential to understand how this all began.

In the crucible of 2020’s seismic call for justice, ignited by the echoes of the George Floyd protests, a formidable alliance emerged to reshape the change narrative in Asheville’s Black community. Within this fervor, Keith Young, Dr. Dwight Mullen, and I embarked on a collaborative journey driven by an unwavering commitment to seize the historical moment and catalyze genuine transformation. Our proposal: nothing short of reparations for the centuries of harm Black people had experienced in Asheville and Buncombe County.

Our resolve stood unyielding in a region often marked by the inertia of city councils and county commissions. Dr. Mullen’s masterful pen strokes birthed an initial resolution, a clarion call for change that echoed with such resonance it could not be ignored—a call unanimously embraced by Asheville City Council. In this tale of determination and urgency, we delve into a narrative that transcends rhetoric, unveiling a blueprint for tangible change in the heart of Asheville’s Black community.

Understanding the fleeting nature of public attention, our Reparations resolution aimed to extend the focus on the Black citizen’s plight. We recognized the interconnectedness of disparities across economic development, education, housing, public safety, and public health. Our approach advocated for comprehensive change rather than piecemeal solutions.

A History of Discrimination

Historically, Asheville’s Black community received minimal attention and resources, lacking genuine oversight or accountability. To rectify these deep-rooted issues, we championed an iterative and adaptive approach. Past attempts at addressing disparities were often limited in scope—and quickly repealed if unsuccessful. Reparations presented an opportunity for transformative change.

Citing Proverbs 29:18—“Where there is no vision, the people perish: But he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”—we emphasized the importance of a forward-looking vision. Enforcing positive racial discrimination as a remedy to counteract negative discrimination is crucial. Federal law provides a clear pathway to address current disparities stemming from racist policies.

Models to Follow

We also looked to successful guaranteed-annual-income programs as models in our pursuit of equitable progress. Examples such as the Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration (SEED) and the Magnolia Mother’s Trust have positively impacted financial stability and well-being.

Metrics from SEED show decreased income volatility, increased full-time employment, and improved overall well-being among participants. The Magnolia Mother’s Trust provides unconditional cash transfers to Black mothers and has shown positive outcomes in improved mental health, reduced stress, and increased financial security.

Correcting Historic Discrimination

As the process has unfolded over the past four years, I have engaged in ongoing debates with Asheville’s legal counsel centered around the mistaken notion that it’s impossible to adopt initiatives that benefit the Black community exclusively. It is essential not to be misled into believing this fallacy. Our federal laws provide a clear framework for addressing systemic issues and creating meaningful change. The future promises genuine, equitable progress for all citizens, guided by successful models and measurable metrics.

No one should be more aware of this than the City of Asheville because they’ve already implemented a program that directly addresses racial disparities through targeted reform: Asheville’s business inclusion policies, which serve as a contemporary example of positive racial discrimination. Unlike historical cases, this initiative is rooted in the specific challenges faced by the Black community in Asheville, showcasing a nuanced approach tailored to local needs.

Programs Already in Place

These business inclusion policies actively address Black entrepreneurs’ historical disparities in accessing opportunities within the city’s economic landscape. The program incorporates a meticulous framework beyond mere tokenism, focusing on substantive changes that empower Black-owned businesses and foster long-term economic growth.

One key aspect of Asheville’s initiative involves targeted financial support, where resources are allocated specifically to Black-owned enterprises. This ensures that businesses within the Black community receive the necessary capital to compete on an equal footing, addressing historical disadvantages stemming from systemic racism.

Moreover, the program implements mentorship and capacity-building components to facilitate skill development and sustainable growth. The initiative recognizes that historical barriers extend beyond financial constraints and provides education, training, and networking resources. This comprehensive approach aims to dismantle ingrained inequalities by equipping Black entrepreneurs with the tools needed for success.

Asheville’s business inclusion policies also prioritize equitable procurement practices. By mandating a fair share of contracts for Black-owned businesses, the initiative actively breaks down barriers historically limiting access to lucrative opportunities within the city. This commitment to fair and inclusive contracting fosters economic empowerment and creates a diverse and vibrant business landscape.

In essence, Asheville’s business inclusion policies exemplify positive racial discrimination by directly addressing and remedying historical disadvantages faced by the Black community. The program’s multifaceted approach, encompassing financial support, mentorship, capacity-building, and fair procurement practices, distinguishes it as a contemporary model for fostering genuine, community-driven economic empowerment—if implemented properly.

Disparity vs. Discrimination

Asheville’s 2018 Disparity Study played a pivotal role in shaping and justifying the implementation of positive racial discrimination policies within the city. The study, conducted by external experts, thoroughly examined the patterns of contracting and economic opportunities available to minority-owned businesses, particularly those owned by Black individuals. The findings provided a comprehensive and data-driven understanding of the Black community’s historical disparities in Asheville.

The Disparity Study involved meticulous data analysis that exposed the historical underrepresentation of Black-owned businesses. It provided a legal framework and policy recommendations and engaged the community to address these disparities.

The positive racial discrimination policies subsequently implemented by the city, such as the business inclusion initiatives, were directly informed and justified by the evidence presented in the Disparity Study. The study was a critical tool for local policymakers and stakeholders, providing a compelling rationale for affirmative action measures to rectify historical injustices and promote economic equity within the Black community. The transparent and data-driven nature of the study also helped build community support for these initiatives.

Strength Through Unity

The urgency of this moment cannot be overstated. It is not a mere request; it is an impassioned demand that resonates within the hearts of every Black community member. We must insist on comprehensive disparity studies in each impact focus area, swiftly followed by resolute action through positive racial discrimination and direct cash payments to rectify the historic injustices that continue to plague our community.

Our collective strength lies in unity, and the time for change is now. Seize the moment with us. Stand tall on February 19, 2024, at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino at 6 p.m., as we converge for the next reparations commission meeting. Let our presence speak volumes, echoing our unwavering commitment to a future where justice, equality, and empowerment prevail. Stay engaged by signing up at www.OurAVL.org.

We want to see you there, outspoken, undaunted, and revolutionary!

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed here, as well as assertions of facts, are those of the author. They do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of The Urban News.