In an official apology for the state’s “role in the perpetuation of slavery,” California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a number of laws on Thursday that addressed the history of racial discrimination in the state.
“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,” Newsom stated.
Legislative Black Caucus members across the state joined Newsom in signing the bills on Thursday.
A formal apology for slavery and stronger anti-discrimination measures are just two of the important bills mentioned in the press release. Other important bills address employment discrimination, mental health disparities, food and medical deserts, and employment discrimination.
This occurs one day after Newsom vetoed a bill that would have assisted Black families in recovering or receiving compensation for property that was wrongfully acquired through the use of eminent domain for racially motivated purposes.
While praising the measure’s author “for his commitment to redressing past racial injustices,” Newsom stated in his veto statement that the bill “tasked a nonexistent state agency to carry out its various provisions and requirements, making it impossible to implement.”
According to the statement, California has joined other states like Florida, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Alabama, New Jersey, and Iowa in acknowledging the historical and current effects of racial discrimination.
Along with the rest of the caucus, Lori Wilson, the Democratic chair of the state’s Legislative Black Caucus, received appreciation from Newsom for her work.
“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,” he stated.
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The reparations, according to Wilson, are a “multi-year effort.”
“These bills lay a meaningful foundation to address the historic injustices faced by Black Californians, and I want to extend my sincere thanks to my fellow Caucus members and the advocacy leaders who have championed this effort. This is a multi-year effort, and I look forward to continuing our partnership with the Governor on this important work in the years to come as we push toward lasting justice and equity,” she stated.
