*We don’t know if somebody got played or if they played themselves.
All we know is that the California legislative session ends today (08-31-24), and two vital reparations bills aimed at addressing the discriminatory legacies faced by Black residents will not be heard.
This outcome has significant ramifications for the state’s ongoing efforts to atone for its historical injustices.
The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), in an exclusive response to California Black Media/CBM (scroll down to read), confirmed that these bills would not progress to a vote before the end-of-session deadline, effectively halting their potential enactment after years of advocacy and struggle.
The two bills in question sought to establish a reparations fund and create an agency dedicated to overseeing and implementing reparation programs across California.
Key Components Left Unaddressed
These components are essential for the state to effectively address the systemic inequalities that have arisen from decades of racist policies within various sectors, including housing, education, and healthcare.
Assemblymember Lori Wilson, the CLBC chair, indicated that while other significant legislation was passed this week, the absence of these reparations measures is a stark disappointment for advocates.
Prominent reparations organizer Chris Lodgson did not hold back his frustration, telling the AP: “What do we need a Black Caucus for? These are priority bills of the caucus, and they are blocking their own bills.”
His comments highlight the disappointment and disbelief within the advocacy community regarding the legislative decision not to move forward with these initiatives. Read the CLBC’s response, below.
Legislative Progress Amidst Setbacks
While the two central reparations bills fell short, lawmakers did pass legislation aimed at allowing for the return of confiscated lands and formal apologies for past injustices. Democratic Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer expressed immense pride in his bill to formally apologize for discrimination, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the struggles faced by past generations.
Inspired by a personal family legacy connected to the infamous “Little Rock Nine,” Jones-Sawyer reflected on the significance of these legislative actions for the Black community’s journey toward justice. “I think my grandmother, my grandfather, would be extremely proud for what we are going to do today… so that we can move forward our people,” he stated, highlighting the continuity of struggle across generations.
Next Steps and Uncertain Future
The proposed reparations legislation now rests with Governor Gavin Newsom, who has until September 30 to determine their fate. His administration has previously signaled hesitance toward some reparations measures despite incorporating funding into the state budget to support initiatives in this area. The governor’s past actions, including the establishment of a task force to study reparations, demonstrate a recognition of the issue, but the lack of clarity on how the allocated funds will be utilized raises concerns among advocates about the seriousness of commitments made.
As California continues to grapple with its complicated history, the call for reparations remains unresolved. The CLBC and various advocacy groups are calling for a continued commitment from lawmakers to prioritize these critical measures. With the implications of systemic inequalities still evident across many domains, many are left questioning how the state will fulfill its promise of equity and justice for its Black residents.
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