Reparations Commission Backs Sojourner Truth Way Naming Push

Other Committee · Meeting of June 2, 2026

Northampton reparations panel backs Sojourner Truth Way naming, then loses quorum amid infighting. The Reparation Study Commission approved May's minutes 5-0 with two abstentions before Commissioner and City Councilor Garrick Perry agreed to carry a recommendation co-naming Route 9 as "Sojourner Truth Way" to the City Council. Commissioner Renika Montgomery Tamaklow called the idea "performative," asking how it would "materially change" the lives of Black residents, while Commissioner Marsha Morris said the panel's meetings are "embarrassing" and "high school-ish" after a dispute with Co-Chair Felicia Lundquist over a missing agenda item.

Members also discussed asking City Solicitor Alan Seawald how to set up a donation account for reparations funds, with no figures finalized. Co-Chair Jasmine Goodspeed previewed Saturday's inaugural Juneteenth celebration before the panel lost quorum and tabled its remaining business to July.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report, 2,427 words

Source: the Other Committee meeting of June 2, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.