The former West Asheville Presbytery Church, now a symbol of change.
On January 25, 2025, the Presbytery of Western North Carolina made a historic decision to transfer a property to the Reparations Stakeholder Authority of Asheville at no cost. This momentous vote aims to address systemic injustices faced by the Black community in Asheville. The property, which holds significant historical ties to the Wilson’s Chapel AME Church, will serve as a hub for community engagement and empowerment. The initiative reflects Asheville’s ongoing commitment to justice and equity for future generations.
Asheville is buzzing with excitement after a historic decision was made on January 25, 2025. The Presbytery of Western North Carolina (PWNC) unanimously decided to hand over a piece of property, specifically the former West Asheville Presbytery Church, to the Reparations Stakeholder Authority of Asheville (RSAA) at absolutely no cost. This monumental vote marks a *transformative moment* in addressing the city’s painful past and bringing about a brighter, more equitable future.
Executive Director of RSAA, Torre Garrison, referred to this act as “a bold and deliberate act of repair,” showcasing the commitment to justice that the community is striving for. The property, located at 690 Haywood Road, has a significant history dating back to 1916 when it was acquired to cater to the growing West Asheville community.
This site doesn’t just represent a building; it has profound ties to Wilson’s Chapel AME Church, a Black congregation that was established in the 1880s. Unfortunately, due to systemic pressures and discriminatory city planning in the 1920s, the church was coerced into selling their property and relocating. A part of the current property even includes a parking lot that used to serve as a cemetery for Wilson’s Chapel, which brings a spotlight to the injustices that have been endured.
Back in July 2021, the PWNC established an Administrative Commission with a vision for a community-centered future for this property. This led to a cooperative partnership with RSAA members and various community stakeholders that culminated in this landmark vote. The property spans an impressive 15,736 square feet and encompasses 1.39 acres of land, which will soon undergo repairs to meet community needs.
The RSAA has grand plans for this newly acquired property. They envision it as a hub for community engagement, healing, and empowerment, with an emphasis on gathering input from Black residents to ensure that it truly reflects the needs of the community. Plus, a capital campaign fundraiser is on the horizon to transform the space into a vital resource for Black liberation and equity.
This exciting transfer of property is only the tip of the iceberg. RSAA is emphasizing that this decision is merely the starting point in a larger, ongoing commitment to advocate for justice for future generations. The ongoing work of the Community Reparations Commission in Asheville is also worth noting, as they have proposed several initiatives aimed at uplifting the Black community. These initiatives include economic empowerment projects that are designed to create opportunities and support.
The Commission has introduced four initial projects. These include plans for a Black business hub, a guaranteed income program, grants for local community projects, and the establishment of a Reparations Accountability Council. With over two years of operation under their belt, they are now seeking an extension to continue their vital work, pinpointing the areas where reparations are critically needed.
Recent suggestions from the Commission include financial settlements for families impacted by urban renewal, the creation of a health care subsidy fund, mandatory training for public servants, and job training programs specifically tailored for Black students. All these efforts underline Asheville’s unwavering resolve to address its past and pave the way for a more equitable society.
This act of reparations represents not just a transfer of property, but rather a *symbolic shift* in how Asheville is addressing its historical inequities. With a commitment to community engagement and empowerment, the city looks to not only *repair the past* but also to cultivate a thriving future for all its residents. Keep an eye on Asheville, as this journey toward equity and justice is just beginning!
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