Trust is fundamental to meaningful and effective descendant participation in reparative development. As advocates for unearthing, protecting, and amplifying their ancestral histories, descendant communities bring direct ancestral, racial, or cultural ties to specific regions, particularly those shaped by enslavement in the U.S. Their role in shaping narratives of enslavement, emancipation, and empowerment extends beyond memorials and monuments to broader community-driven initiatives that address historical injustices. As this work evolves, creating places that build community power requires centering expansive cultural histories rather than isolated projects. This shift demands deeper, more sustainable engagement from descendant communities, who serve as the long-term stewards of this history for future generations. This session will examine models of descendant-led design and preservation through case studies such as The Shockoe Project, Destination Crenshaw, and The Burying Ground at the University of Richmond. Join Public Historian Dr. Lynn Rainville, Architect Malcolm Davis, and AIA Fellow Burt Pinnock as they discuss their experiences reclaiming historic and contemporary places in collaboration with descendant communities - highlighting the intersection of architecture, public history, and restorative justice.