One of notable topics of the meeting was the finalization of the charge for the successor body to the African Heritage Reparation Assembly. The committee invited Dr. Shabaz to contribute to the discussion, drawing on her expertise to shape the draft charge. The charge, based on the final report of the predecessor assembly, was designed to be flexible, allowing the new committee to adapt the recommendations without being strictly bound by them. The committee members debated various aspects of the charge, including the number of voting members and the inclusion of non-voting members. They reached a consensus on recommending a fixed number of five voting positions, considering recent difficulties in filling committee roles.

A key discussion point was the legal constraints on specifying race or ethnicity in committee composition. The committee agreed to encourage diverse representation through a modified language that complied with legal recommendations, thus promoting inclusivity without mandating it. The purpose statement of the charge was also scrutinized, with the committee aiming to provide a balanced mandate that avoided overly broad directives which could hinder effectiveness. The purpose statement was ultimately framed to reflect the council’s long-standing goal of advancing racial equity and social justice and its continued commitment to dismantling structural racism in Amherst.

The committee members expressed differing opinions on the phrase “guided by” in the purpose statement. Some were concerned that it might require the committee to follow the report’s recommendations without prior council prioritization. Others argued that the charge should not serve as a mechanism for micromanagement, advocating for language that allowed the committee to continue its work without implying full approval of all recommendations by the council. This debate underscored a tension between ensuring the committee’s autonomy and maintaining accountability to the council’s priorities.

Another aspect of the discussion was the implementation of the recommendations from the final report. There were concerns about transparency and the need for the charge to clarify that the committee would support only those recommendations approved by the council. This perspective highlighted the importance of managing expectations and ensuring that the committee’s efforts aligned with the council’s established priorities.

The committee also deliberated on the roles and responsibilities of the successor body, particularly regarding community consultation. It was proposed that the successor body should periodically consult with the Black community. This ongoing dialogue was seen as crucial for maintaining relevance and responsiveness to the community’s needs.

The committee discussed the specific language of the charge, with a focus on clarity and avoiding redundancy. The suggestion to include a clause for reevaluating the charge after a set period, such as two years, was also considered to allow for adjustments based on the committee’s experience and evolving needs.

Towards the end of the discussion, the committee members expressed gratitude to Dr. Shabaz for her guidance and confirmed their unanimous agreement to recommend the charge to the Town Council. There was some confusion about the presentation format due to spacing errors on the screen, but the motion to recommend the charge was seconded and approved by all present members. A timeline for presenting the charge to the Town Council was discussed, with meetings scheduled for early September being considered.

In addition to the charge for the successor body, the committee briefly touched on other agenda items, including a bylaw discussion that was postponed due to time constraints. The committee also discussed modifications to a resolution concerning the expansion of bike lanes and paths, with members debating the appropriate terminology and the use of hyperlinks in the text.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which was seconded and approved, ending the session at 8:20 PM with expressions of thanks and well-wishes among the members.