By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

 The San Diego Board of Supervisors last week voted 4-1 to back State legislation that aims to right historic injustices against the descendants of enslaved Black people.

The State Legislature is working with the California Legislative Black Caucus and reparations taskforce to provide reparations to Black people who were harmed by systemic racism and other inequities. Community leaders and activists praised the county supervisors for supporting the initiative and stated that their endorsement is a significant step forward in correcting past injustices.

With that vote, San Diego will be listed as a formal supporter of the reparations bill package, a series of 14 bills still in progress at various stages in the State Legislature.

Supervisor Joel Anderson, a Republican, was the only County Board member who voted against endorsing the state’s reparations initiative.

Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, who served on the state’s reparations task force, said that the bills would directly impact San Diego.

“It is no secret that our county carries the stain of historical racism and discrimination against the Black community,” said Steppe.

“As a member of the reparations task force, it’s my obligation to support and uplift policies that address the multifaceted dimensions of this history,” she said.

Ellen Nash, chair of the San Diego Chapter of the Black American Political Association of California, recalled personally experiencing racial injustice and wants to protect future generations from the harmful impact of systemic racism and discriminatory practices.

“This package provides a comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of inequity and building a more inclusive future for all,” said Nash.

“There is hope for the next generation,” she said.

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