On Wednesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law that will allow the state to pay reparations of some kind to Black Californians; especially those who are descendants of slaves.
While the law does not state a specific payment method or amount, it allows for a nine-member task force to assemble; and make recommendations on how reparations would be provided; such as through compensation or restitution.
Along with possible reparations, the task force will be allowed to make recommendations on eliminating state laws; and policies that perpetuate discrimination and on issuing a formal apology; “for the perpetration of gross human rights violations and crimes against humanity on African slaves and their descendants,” according to @sacramentobee.
The task force will also be asked to compile a report on the impact that slavery and systemic racism; has impacted African-Americans.
As previously stated, Assemblywoman Shirley Weber, a Black woman from San Diego responsible for the proposal; said the study would reiterate California’s history of abetting slavery; even as it joined the union as a “free state” in 1850. “The discriminatory practices of the past echo into the everyday lives of today’s Californians,”; said Weber, who leads the Legislative Black Caucus.
Governor Gavin Newsom passed another law, on Wednesday. With over 3,000 emails and a relentless campaign; #JayZ and #MeekMill’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Thanks to REFORM Alliance, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new bill; AB 1950–into law that has a major impact on the state’s probation system.