Detroit's reparations task force holds first of many meetings

(CBS DETROIT) - Making sure those that are owed get their due is the main message coming from Detroit's reparations task force.

The 13-member committee plans to meet bi-weekly to gather information to create a report. The report will then be given to the city council. The task force has 18 months in order to complete it.

During the initial meeting, residents gave their take on what should happen.

"This is an expectation that can happen and we have all the tax incentive money to get this. Let's hold them accountable," one resident speaking to the task force said.

Back in 2021, more than 80% of voters voted in favor of forming the committee. It plans to address systemic discrimination against African American residents.

"We were the leading city for black homeownership but in five years times we had 65 thousand families lose their homes to mortgage foreclosure every one of which was due to predatory racist criminal loans," another resident noted.

Broad discussions around reparations are a sign of changing times. Other cities like San Francisco are also having discussions.

Just because reparations are being discussed in Detroit doesn't mean it automatically equates to money.

"Do you think a singular check could provide a form of repair that can transcend generations it has to be more than that," said Lauren Hood, a committee co-chair.

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