High Point commission adopts Reparations and Reconciliation report

The One High Point Commission has adopted a document for addressing the past racial discrimination in the city.

The Reparations and Reconciliation report was unanimously approved by the commission last week. The group was formed in 2022 to study reparations for Black residents.

The document gives policy recommendations in areas such as housing, transportation and health inequities. It also calls for the city to apologize for sponsorship and enforcement of racial discrimination against African Americans.

Councilman Michael Holmes said this could serve as a template for how communities can be restored.

"We've put together a roadmap, that as I look forward to our 2045 comprehensive plan, I see this as an addendum to our plan to destabilize, reverse and ultimately undo racially concentrated areas of poverty in this city," Holmes said.

Commission Chair Joe Alston said there will be steps for feedback, dialogue and staff implementation once the city is given the recommendations.

The report will be presented to city council on Sept. 18.