ST. LOUIS — St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones appointed nine members of the city's first Reparations Commission on Friday.
The group will look at how to restore economic injustices, brought on by “slavery, segregation, and racism.”
Previously, city leaders made clear those selected must represent different backgrounds, including at least one civil rights advocate, a clergy member, an attorney, someone in academics, a public health professional and a young person.
The following nine members were chosen:
- Will Ross, associate dean for Diversity at Washington University School of Medicine and professor of medicine in the Nephrology Division.
- Delesha N. George, program manager at Deaconess Foundation.
- Kayla Reed, co-founder and executive director of Action St. Louis.
- William Foster, city resident and external audit generalist at PriceWaterHouseCoopers.
- Gwen Moore, historian and curator of Urban Landscape and Community Identity.
- Kevin Anthony, bridge pastor at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ.
- David Cunningham, professor, and chair of sociology at Washington University in St. Louis.
- Jada Brooks, a Communications student at Harris-Stowe University.
- Kimberly Hicks Franks, attorney, activist and board member of Dutchtown South Community Corporation.
"St. Louis has always been a leader on civil rights, and we have the unique opportunity to address the damage that decades of racism and disinvestment have done to Black neighborhoods across our City,” said Jones. “The Commission’s work is essential as we acknowledge the history of racial injustice in our City, work to rectify them, and build a better, fairer St. Louis for every family.”
In December, more than 25 organizations wrote a letter to the mayor asking for a partnership.
Civil Rights Attorney Blake Strode and his group Arch City Defenders pressed the city for a process and plan to address reparations.
"Unfortunately, St. Louis' history is rife with examples of racist and anti-black policies and practices -- a racial segregation ordinance -- that was a public policy of the City of St. Louis. So, you go across the board...we think of criminalization," Strode said.
Jones opened the door for a commission to address problems spurred on by systemic and economic injustices in the African American community.
“We're really proud and excited about this moment,” Strode also said.
It is unclear if money will be given out, which would be similar to what other cities have done to address longstanding economic disparities.
"The thing is reparations is not a one-size-fits-all. There are many different iterations that it can take, and this commission will just be providing possible avenues that the city and Board of Aldermen can look at,” Dr. Vernon Mitchell Jr., chief equity and inclusion officer for the city, said.
The commission will hold its first meeting within 45 days.
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