The Multi-Faith ACTION Coalition’s faith-rooted mission is to advocate for policy changes that would reduce or eliminate sources of poverty in California. Racial injustice is one of those sources, so we have been particularly supportive of and attentive to the work of the Reparations Task Force. This article is the first in a series about the Task Force. It covers the historical basis for the Reparations Task Force.
California’s Assembly Bill 3121 – “Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans”—was enacted in September 2020. The bill established a task force to study the institution of slavery and its effects on African Americans in California.
The state legislature created the California Reparations Task Force due to the state’s history – largely untaught or publicized – of enabling and perpetuating harm against African Americans, specifically the lingering effects of slavery and systemic discrimination.
Here’s a breakdown of the historical context:
Slavery’s Legacy:
- Although admitted to the Union as a free state, California’s institutions and prosperity were deeply intertwined with slavery. The state actively participated in practices that brutalized and marginalized African Americans even after the official abolition of slavery.
Systemic Discrimination:
- Following the abolition of slavery, California continued to uphold discriminatory laws and policies. These were common across various sectors, including housing, labor, education, and the legal system. This systemic discrimination, rooted in the legacy of slavery, has created significant economic, educational, and health disparities for African Americans.
AB 3121:
- In 2020, California acknowledged its role in perpetuating these injustices by enacting Assembly Bill 3121. This formally established the Reparations Task Force.
The legislature’s goals in creating the Task Force were:
Study:
- Examine the institution of slavery and its lasting negative impacts on living African Americans in California. This process is directed particularly towards descendants of enslaved individuals.
Develop Proposals:
- Recommend remedies, including compensation, rehabilitation, and restitution for African Americans, with a focus on descendants of enslaved persons.
Educate the Public:
- Raise awareness about the Task Force’s findings and the historical context of slavery and discrimination in California.
The creation of the Task Force signifies California’s commitment to addressing its historical wrongs and working towards a more equitable future for African Americans. However, it’s crucial to note that the Task Force’s role is to provide recommendations for legislative action, and the legislature and governor would need to approve any reparations program.
Read the articles below or the Racial Justice Task Force page for further information.
