California Apologizes for Slavery in New Reparations Law \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation apologizing for the state’s role in slavery and its ongoing effects on Black Americans. Part of a broader reparations effort, the bill seeks to address racial disparities and historical injustices. Newsom also approved laws targeting hair discrimination and enhancing oversight of book bans in state prisons.
California’s Apology for Slavery and Reparations Effort: Quick Looks
- California formally apologizes for its role in slavery and ongoing racial disparities.
- The new law is part of a larger package of reparations-focused bills.
- Newsom signed laws to improve protections against hair discrimination for athletes and prison book bans.
- A separate proposal to compensate Black families for unjustly seized property was vetoed by Newsom.
- State reparations efforts continue as federal-level reparations discussions have stalled for decades.
Deep Look:
California took a historic step on Thursday as Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law a bill that formally apologizes for the state’s role in perpetuating slavery and its enduring impact on Black Americans. The legislation acknowledges the racial disparities and injustices African Americans have faced, aiming to take a step toward addressing the harm caused by slavery and the legacy of discrimination that continues to affect Black communities today.
Newsom’s signature on this legislation is part of a broader reparations package introduced this year. The package includes bills designed to provide repair for decades of discriminatory policies, particularly in housing, employment, and education, which have contributed to systemic racial disparities in California. The governor, in his statement, acknowledged the state’s responsibility for promoting and facilitating slavery and its long-lasting effects on Black Californians.
“The State of California accepts responsibility for the role we played in promoting, facilitating, and permitting the institution of slavery, as well as its enduring legacy of persistent racial disparities,” Newsom said. “Building on decades of work, California is now taking another important step forward in recognizing the grave injustices of the past –- and making amends for the harms caused.”
The California bill follows a growing nationwide conversation about reparations for Black Americans. Efforts at the federal level to study reparations have stalled for decades, but some states and cities have taken the lead. Illinois and New York state have both passed laws to create reparations commissions, and several cities, including Boston and New York City, have formed task forces to examine reparations. In Evanston, Illinois, a local program was launched to provide housing assistance to Black residents in response to past housing discrimination.
Reparations in California: Leading the Way
California is further along in addressing reparations than any other state. However, the state has not yet introduced legislation for direct cash payments to African Americans, which has been a source of frustration for some reparations advocates. In June, Governor Newsom approved a $297.9 billion budget that included up to $12 million allocated for the reparations package.
One bill in the reparations package addresses improving educational outcomes for students of color by expanding access to K-12 career education programs. Another measure, which will be on the ballot in November, seeks to amend the state constitution to prohibit forced labor as a punishment for crime, aligning with broader efforts to rectify historical injustices.
Despite this progress, Governor Newsom vetoed a separate proposal on Wednesday that would have provided a pathway for Black families to reclaim or be compensated for property unjustly seized through eminent domain. The bill’s implementation was further complicated by the legislature’s failure to pass another key bill that would have created a reparations agency to handle and review claims for compensation.
Additional Laws Targeting Discrimination and Injustice
In addition to the slavery apology, Newsom signed into law bills aimed at tackling other forms of discrimination and injustice. One law strengthens protections against hair discrimination for athletes, expanding the scope of California’s CROWN Act, which prevents discrimination based on hair texture or styles. This measure ensures that athletes can no longer face bans or penalties due to hairstyles like braids or locks, which are deeply tied to cultural identity, particularly for African Americans.
Another significant law addresses the issue of book bans in state prisons, where the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) maintains a list of disapproved publications. These bans are often imposed if the content is deemed a security threat or violates department rules. However, this process has long been criticized for its lack of transparency.
State Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, who authored the legislation, described the banning process as “shadowy” and pointed to the need for oversight. The new law empowers the Office of the Inspector General to review the list of banned books and evaluate the reasoning behind these decisions. The law also mandates that changes to the banned book list be made public on the office’s website, promoting greater transparency and accountability.
“We need transparency in this process,” said Assemblymember Bryan. “We need to know what books are banned, and we need a mechanism for removing books off of that list.”
The Road Ahead for Reparations
While California has made significant strides in addressing historical injustices, the fight for comprehensive reparations is far from over. Reparations advocates continue to push for direct financial compensation and a more robust infrastructure to process claims from Black Californians affected by discriminatory policies. Newsom’s decision to veto the property restitution bill was a setback for many advocates, although some view the broader reparations effort as a long-term project that will require sustained commitment and advocacy.
As more states and cities across the country begin exploring reparations, California’s approach serves as a model and a potential roadmap for future initiatives. However, the challenge remains in balancing immediate actions, such as formal apologies and symbolic legislation, with more substantive measures that could provide direct economic relief to Black Americans who have been impacted by centuries of systemic racism.
California Apologizes
