"Asheville City Council has apologized for the North Carolina city's historic role in slavery, discrimination and denial of basic liberties to Black residents and voted to provide reparations to them and their descendants." The 7-0 unanimous vote took place on July 14, making Asheville the first U.S. city to issue such a resolution. The measures will institutionalize investments in areas where Black residents face disparities, such as housing, career opportunities, generational wealth and gaps in heath care, education, and employment. In response to emails the council received asking "Why should we pay for what happened during slavery?" Councilwoman Sheneika Smith said, "[Slavery] is this institution that serves as the starting point for the building of the strong economic floor for white America, while attempting to keep Blacks subordinate forever to its progress." Councilman Vijay Kapoor remarked, "We don't want to be held back by these gaps. We want everyone to be successful."

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