Slave-related reparations could soon be distributed in Amherst

AMHERST, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – We’re one step closer to seeing slave-related reparations paid out to members of the Amherst community and the next vote on the matter is slated for next week. A five person reparations committee is expected to form in a matter of time and the town council is expected to take a vote on the order for that committee on Monday, which would lead the way to some newfound resources for a community that wants them.

“It would definitely make me feel, as a business owner, a lot more secure economically,” said Khayyam Mahdi with Global Cuts International World of Barber Styling.

For 25 years, Mahdi has been cutting hair in Amherst. His shop is often full of customers who could also get some cash thanks to his town, which is ready to repay some of their Black community members for the pain of the past.

“We’ve tried to make the point again and again to the town council and to the community at-large that Black businesses help to anchor the presence of Black people in this town,” said Dr. Amilcar Shabazz, secretary of the Amherst Black Business Association.

The town is listening as Amherst slave reparations are moving forward.

“Using slavery as the foundation that allowed our society to thrive, in that thriving, we were left behind,” Mahdi explained.

The first set of recommendations from the town-approved Amherst Heritage Reparation Assembly laid the groundwork, which highlighted funds for the project, which will come from certified free cash left over from the previous fiscal budget, should prioritize youth programming, affordable housing, business grants, and entrepreneurial training. The last item is a favorite among local businesses.

“On a baseline level, reparations are incredibly important into making sure people are able to come up on the same level as everyone else,” said Alysia Bryan with Carefree Cakery.

The town council is about to give a new five person reparations panel, that has yet to be chosen, their marching orders. A vote on the charge is slated for next Monday. In a statement to Western Mass News, Amherst officials said, “Over time, the committee will make recommendations for approval by the town council as to how the funds will be spent.”

It’s unclear when the first proposals will begin to come in. There’s still a panel to be filled and an idea of how much money could be left for the organization to work with.