The South Bend Common Council has formally accepted findings from the city’s Reparatory Justice Commission and issued an apology for decades of documented racial discrimination against Black residents.

During Monday night’s meeting, council members approved resolutions recognizing the findings of a 2023 study that examined historical inequities in housing, employment, education, healthcare and other areas affecting Black residents.

The action places the report and its 62 recommendations into the city’s official record and establishes them as a framework for future policy discussions and community efforts.

Council members also approved a formal apology to South Bend residents, particularly those impacted by discrimination and segregation in the LaSalle Park neighborhood.

Council member Dr. Oliver Davis said the effort was driven in part by concerns raised by residents of LaSalle Park and represents an opportunity for the city to move forward.

Residents speaking during the meeting emphasized that addressing past discrimination benefits the entire community. Supporters described the apology as an important first step toward acknowledging harm and working toward reconciliation.

A second resolution specifically recognized the history of racial discrimination, housing segregation and unequal treatment experienced by residents of the LaSalle Park neighborhood.