Antonio Ray Harvey
Gov. Newsom Signs Black Caucus Bills; Advocates Question “Reparations” Description
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed several bills included in a priority reparations package introduced by the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), including Assembly Bill 3089 — which formally apologies to Black Californians for the harms caused by slavery, discrimination and other historical injustices. However, some advocates say they do not consider the legislation reparations.
By Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed several bills included in a priority reparations package introduced by the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), including Assembly Bill 3089 — which formally apologies to Black Californians for the harms caused by slavery, discrimination and other historical injustices.
However, some advocates say they do not consider the legislation reparations.
The bills address key issues such as housing disparities, maternal health, economic inequality, and educational access –issues that have long disproportionately impacted Black Californians.
“Today’s bill signing represents a promise for the future based on years of hard work and dedication from the CLBC and our allies,” stated Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City). “Together with Gov. Newsom, we are sending a powerful message that California is leading the way in repairing the harm done to Black communities. Today marks a victory, but only the first in the continued fight for justice.”
AB 3089 passed the Legislature with unanimous bipartisan support. It acknowledges California’s historical role in the perpetuation of slavery and its enduring legacy.
A Sept. 26 statement issued by Newsom states that the “signing event marks a significant milestone in California’s ongoing efforts to promote healing and advance justice.”
“As we confront the lasting legacy of slavery, I’m profoundly grateful for the efforts put forward by Chair Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson and the members of the California Legislative Black Caucus,” Newsom stated. “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.”
Authored by Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), AB 3089 requires the state to install a plaque memorializing the apology in the State Capitol.
The Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC) – a statewide grassroots advocates, organizers, and mobilizers for reparations and reparative justice – say they do not recognize AB 3089 as reparations.
On Sept. 27, the organization’s members posted their thoughts about the bill on the X platform formerly called Twitter. CJEC members describe the reparations package as “racial equity bills.”
“An apology is not #Reparations, nor is it a first step toward Reparations. It’s a step backward. We don’t need any more words. We demand action. We demand Reparations,” CJEC posted.
The following bills in the package were also signed by Newsom:
- AB 3131, Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) — Provides Equity Multiplier funding to school districts funding for education.
- AB 1815, Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa) — Prohibits discrimination based on natural and protective hairstyles.
- AB 1896, Assemblymember Issac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) — Eliminates banning books without oversight and review in prisons.
- Senate Bill (SB) 1089, Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) — Addresses grocery stores and pharmacy closures.
Other reparations bills signed into law are SB 1348, Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) designating specific public universities as California Black-serving institutions; AB 1984 (Weber), requires systematically review of pupils’ suspensions and expulsions data; and AB 51, Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), which supports Early Childcare and Education: California State Preschool.
Assembly Constitutional Amendment (ACA) 8 was part of the package, but it will be on the ballot as Prop. 6. The ballot measure would amend the state constitution to prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime if passed by voters.
