SOUTH BEND — A South Bend commission studying systemic racism against the city’s African American residents will host its first public forum in search of personal testimonies this Saturday.
The city’s Reparatory Justice Commission, formed by the South Bend Common Council in September, is seeking the stories of residents who can provide insight in five subject areas:
- Education
- Health care, including mental health care
- Policing and criminal justice
- Economics, which covers racial disparities in wealth, homeownership and unemployment
- Housing
Darryl Heller, chair of the 13-member commission, said the topics reflect the five subcommittees formed to break down racism’s sweeping impact. Residents will break off into small groups led by commission members to discuss their experiences in more detail.
The stories collected will add to reports that already exist on the racial wealth divide in South Bend, long-term health disparities in St. Joseph County and housing issues ranging from racist redlining practices to a lack of affordable rental properties to the prevalence of lead-based paint in west-side neighborhoods.
“The public testimonials are a fundamentally important part of it,” Heller said, “because I think that the broader community needs to hear these stories.”
Heller said the commission will also use this forum as a chance to better understand residents’ expectations and thoughts about reparations. It’s the first of several being planned over the next five months, with forums to occur in venues throughout the city.
IF YOU GO
■ What: The South Bend Reparatory Justice Commission will host a forum in search of personal testimonies from African American residents about their experiences with racism.
■ When: From 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17
■ Where: Charles Martin Youth Center, 802 Lincoln Way W., South Bend
Email South Bend Tribune city reporter Jordan Smith at JTsmith@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @jordantsmith09