Governor Signs the Apology
On September 26, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 3089. This marked a significant milestone in California’s acknowledgment of its historical involvement in slavery. AB 3089 mandated a formal apology from the state for perpetuating and benefiting from slavery and its lasting consequences. On the very same day, Governor Newsom signed the written apology. The Multi-Faith ACTION Coalition actively supported the passage of AB 3089.
Historical Background
California’s history is deeply intertwined with the exploitation of enslaved people. Before statehood, Spanish colonizers and American settlers brought enslaved individuals to California and forced them to work in mines, on ranches, and in private homes. California entered the Union as a “free” state in 1850. But even after 1850, California’s laws and policies often supported slavery in the South and discriminated against Black residents.
California Reparations Task Force
AB 3089 is a direct response to the groundbreaking work of the California Reparations Task Force. Established in 2020 through AB 3121, this nine-member task force was the first of its kind in the nation. Its mission was to investigate the ongoing harms of slavery’s legacy in California and to recommend appropriate forms of redress.
Process and Recommendations
Over nearly three years, the task force conducted extensive research, gathered public testimony, and consulted experts. Their comprehensive final report, released in June 2023, detailed the historical injustices faced by Black Californians and proposed a wide range of reparations, including:
- Formal apology: Acknowledging the state’s complicity in slavery and its enduring legacy.
- Financial compensation: Addressing the economic disparities stemming from historical injustices.
- Education and historical commemoration: Ensuring accurate teaching of California’s history of slavery and its impact.
- Programs to address ongoing discrimination: In areas such as housing, healthcare, and the legal system.
The signing of the apology represents a crucial first step in California’s commitment to addressing its historical wrongs. It signals a growing recognition of the need for reparative justice and for healing the deep wounds of the past.
To read more, just click on the articles below or the Racial Justice Task Force page.
