FirstRepair envisions a just society where Black people are liberated, thriving, and repaired. This will take a diverse and sustainable movement of stakeholders, policymakers, institutions and allies working together to implement local reparations, strengthening the federal reparations movement.
FirstRepair was founded in 2021 by Robin Rue Simmons, the leader of the nation’s first reparations program in Evanston, IL. In its first four years, FirstRepair has built national reach and quickly moved to support more than 76 communities engaged in local initiatives and coalesce over 200 local leaders committed to state and local reparations.
FirstRepair supports community organizations, local government and other relevant institutions and bodies in successfully implementing tangible reparations through local efforts with workshops, educational symposiums, research, stakeholder development and policy design for local government bodies and institutions. Our knowledge network includes seasoned experts and social innovators with a proven commitment to reparations, racial justice, and Black community empowerment.
In 2024, FirstRepair launched the National Resource Center for State and Local Reparations, a home for the national movement to share best practices, connect to other leaders through resource and referral, and house scholarly, historic, and cultural learning and research. This first-of-its kind center will provide a virtual and physical space for committed practitioners to explore the solutions their communities require.