California Reparations Committee Confronts Harms of Slavery, Debates Direct Payments
Dr. Shirley Weber testifies during her confirmation hearing as Secretary of State on Jan. 26, 2021 in Sacramento. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters
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For more than three decades, Black members of Congress have introduced legislation to study the lasting harms of slavery on African Americans, and propose remedies. Year after year, the federal proposal languished.
Now, California is going it alone.
This month, California’s first-in-the-nation task force to study reparations met for the first time, kicking off a two-year process to study the consequences of slavery and systemic racism against African Americans in California.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) A first-in-the-nation task force in California to study and recommend reparations for African Americans held its inaugural meeting Tuesday, launching a two-year process to address the harms of slavery and systemic racism despite the federal government’s inaction.
The nine members of the task force, appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders, include the descendants of slaves who are now prominent lawyers, academics and politicians. The group’s newly elected chair is a young lawyer who specializes in intellectual property, and their vice-chair is a longtime civil rights activist arrested with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at a lunch counter sit-in in 1961.
Last year, California Governor
Gavin Newsom signed a historic order to study the possibility of reparations for descendants of slavery. Now that the bill has been signed into law, California is the first state government to approve a formal look into reparations.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference at The Unity Council on May 10, 2021 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Per the
Los Angeles Times, Assembly bill 3121, which was passed in a bipartisan effort, set the creation of a task force in motion.
“California has come to terms with many of its issues, but it has yet to come to terms with its role in slavery,” said Assemblywoman
The newly elected leaders represent an inter-generational team, bridging the millennial and baby boomer generations, which are known for their often-conflicting worldviews.
The four churches in Oakland are: Acts Full Gospel COGIC – Bishop Bob Jackson Friendship Christian Center – Dr. Gerald Agee The Community Church – Rev Dr. Lawrence E. Van Hook Greater St. Paul MBC – Joseph E. Simmons