California Passes Reparations Bills, But Activists Want More

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law a package of bills that aim to address the legacy of slavery in the state, despite California’s history of entering the Union as a free state in 1850. The legislation includes a formal apology for the institution of slavery, as well as measures to study and address the ongoing impacts of slavery and systemic racism.

The bills, which were passed by the state legislature and championed by reparations activists, stop short of providing direct cash payments or establishing a reparations fund. This has led to criticism and protests from some who argue that the measures do not go far enough in addressing the historical injustices faced by African Americans.

The push for reparations gained momentum in the summer of 2020, following the murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In the aftermath of the protests and riots that swept the nation, California lawmakers established a committee to study the issue of reparations and make recommendations.

The committee’s report proposed a range of measures, including significant cash payments and the establishment of racially separate schools. However, these proposals were ultimately watered down by lawmakers, who instead opted for more modest measures. Newsom’s budget for the year included just $12 million for reparations-related initiatives, a small fraction of the state’s nearly $50 billion deficit.

Despite the limited scope of the legislation, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) hailed the bills as a significant step forward. The caucus is hopeful that California’s actions will inspire other states and the federal government to take similar steps towards addressing the legacy of slavery and systemic racism.

“We’re not just talking about the past, we’re talking about the present and the future. We’re talking about the ongoing impacts of slavery and systemic racism that still exist today,” said a spokesperson for the CLBC.