Gavin Newsom, California Apology for Slavery-No Reparations
Gavin Newsom, California Apology for Slavery-No Reparations
OPINION: Gavin Newsom's California apology for slavery while symbolic, without reparations does not address economic disparities rooted in centuries of systemic racism.
California will issue a formal apology for its role in slavery during the nineteenth century and for enforcing segregationist policies against Black residents as part of a package of new laws signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
“As we confront the lasting legacy of slavery, I’m profoundly grateful for the efforts put forward by Chair Wilson and the members of the California Legislative Black Caucus. 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. Building on decades of work, California is now taking another important step forward in recognizing the grave injustices of the past – and making amends for the harms caused.” Governor Gavin Newsom
The journey towards this apology began in 2020 with the establishment of the California Reparations Task Force, a body tasked with studying and developing proposals for reparations for African Americans, particularly descendants of enslaved individuals.
Over years, this task force gathered evidence, heard testimonies, and proposed comprehensive recommendations, including financial compensation and land restitution.
There was a significant push for reparations in California, with bills proposed that would have established mechanisms for reparative justice, including the creation of a Freedman's Affairs Agency.
However, these bills, crucial for the actual implementation of reparations beyond symbolic gestures, did not make it to the floor for a vote. Governor Newsom reportedly played a pivotal role behind the scenes to discourage this legislation.
The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) despite initially supporting reparations measures, was accused of not bringing the bills to a vote, ostensibly to prevent Newsom from having to veto them publicly, thereby saving him from political backlash. This decision effectively killed the reparations initiative for the legislative session.
An additional bill that would have assisted Black families in recovering or receiving compensation for property that the government had wrongfully seized has also been vetoed by Newsom.
The vetoing of bills that would have created mechanisms for land return or financial compensation was justified by budgetary constraints and the need for further study, arguments that conveniently serve to delay action until politically opportune.
Opinion: Gavin Newsom, California Apology for Slavery- No Reparations
An apology, while symbolic, without reparations does not address economic disparities rooted in centuries of systemic racism.
The issue of reparations for Black Californians will fade into the background, likely not to be seriously revisited until the next election cycle when a Democrat politician will again see it as a useful tool to engage Black voters.