As Asheville Pursues Reparations, North Carolina Seeks Silence
State legislation is seeking to impose limits on discussions of racism in North Carolina, even as one city ramps up its effort to compensate Black residents.
The intersection of Market and Eagle streets, where Black Asheville’s cultural and financial center once stood before it was razed during urban renewal policies.
Photographer: Brentin Mock
Roughly 200 people gathered at the University of North Carolina at Asheville recently to discuss the city's commitment to local reparations. It was the first summit of its kind and an important step in Asheville's plan to compensate Black residents for decades of structural racism.
As the city ramps up its reparations effort, the state of North Carolina is moving in a reverse direction, with state legislation seeking to limit discussions about racism, especially in government and academia.
A new law passed in June forbids any employee of the North Carolina state government – which includes the University of North Carolina system – from discussing racism-related concepts, particularly in hiring practices.