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UMass students present land‑based reparations research to commission
Summary
Students from UMass Amherst presented data on historical Black land loss, local housing disparities, and community land trusts as a model for local reparative work; presenters urged a needs assessment and community‑centered process for Northampton.
A team of students from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and faculty advisor Dr. Shabazz presented research on Black land loss, local housing disparities in Northampton, and land‑based models for reparations.
Zach Forrester summarized historical trends showing a dramatic decline in Black‑owned farmland nationally; presenters described higher housing burden and poverty rates among Black residents in Hampshire County and Northampton compared with regional averages. Jalen Brooks said, "Land is fundamental to freedom," and described community land trusts (CLTs) as a contemporary model that separates ownership of land from ownership of homes to preserve long‑term affordability and community stewardship.
Presenters reviewed case studies including the Port Royal experiment and Evanston, Illinois, where a local reparations program has distributed housing funds. They recommended a community‑centered needs assessment, stronger outreach and education, and exploring mixed models (funding streams, CLTs, and land stewardship) to advance reparative goals in Northampton. Presenters noted grant work under way (a public service endowment grant and a Mass Cultural Council creative experience application) to fund community engagement and public exhibitions.
Commissioners thanked the students and discussed next steps including deeper work on the concept of Black sovereign land and follow‑up grant and outreach efforts.
