Town Seeks Volunteers for New Amherst Black Reparations Committee 

Source: amherstma.gov

The Town of Amherst is seeking volunteers to serve on the Amherst Black Reparations Committee (ABRC), a new town committee charged with guiding the allocation of funds for reparations for harms caused by support of slavery and post-reconstruction discrimination.  

Interested residents should submit a Community Activity Form: amherstma.gov/CA. Applications will be reviewed beginning September 2nd. 

In 2021, Amherst became one of the first communities in the nation to formally commit to reparations for Black residents. The creation of the ABRC marks a major milestone in that journey. Building on the work of the African Heritage Reparation Assembly (AHRA), which issued a final report in 2023, this new committee will guide how funds from the town’s Reparations Stabilization Fund are distributed and ensure community voices remain at the center of the process. The ABRC’s work represents both a continuation of local leadership and a new phase of accountability and action. 

“Reparations is not just a policy—it’s a practice of listening, repair, and truth-telling,” said Michele Miller, former member AHRA. “The Amherst Black Reparations Committee represents an historic opportunity for Amherst to not only acknowledge past harms, but to shape a future grounded in justice. With this call to serve, we hope to engage residents with lived experience and commitment to equity who are ready to help turn reparative vision into tangible action.” 

The ABRC’s mission is to make recommendations to the Town Council on the priority areas for and expenditure of the Reparations Stabilization Fund which the town established to offer reparations for harms caused by support of slavery and post-reconstruction discrimination by Amherst government, residents, businesses, and other Amherst-associated entities, including consideration of areas recommended by the African Heritage Reparation Assembly (AHRA) Final Report.   

The town’s reserve policy calls for an annual contribution to the Reparations Stabilization Fund, provided the town is in good financial condition. The annual contribution has been equal to the amount of annual cannabis tax collections. The Reparations Stabilization Fund has a balance of $585,484.25 as of March 31, 2025.  

Comprised of seven members appointed by the Town Manager, the goal is to appoint individuals with experience in affordable housing, climate action, economic development or entrepreneurship, recreation, youth empowerment, human rights, and/or prior membership on the African Heritage Reparation Assembly.   

Within one year of their initial convening, the ABRC will submit a report to the Town Council outlining key recommendations for priority areas, proposed funding distribution processes, outreach efforts, and any suggested revisions to the committee’s charge. Each subsequent year, the committee will provide a report updating the Town Council on funding recommendations, the status of the Reparations Stabilization Fund, and any necessary revisions to its charge. 

“Establishing this committee represents a significant step toward addressing historical injustices and fostering equity within our community,” said Town Manager Paul Bockelman. “We welcome dedicated residents to join us in shaping meaningful reparations initiatives.” 

For more information about the Amherst Black Reparations Committee and how to get involved, visit www.amherstma.gov/3865/Amherst-Black-Reparations-Committee