As the nation reckons with racial injustices and a surge of violent interactions between law enforcement and communities of color, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a historic law that will study reparations for slavery to the Black community through a state-based task force.
The measure signed by Gov. Newsom is the first of its kind in the nation.
In addition to the law, he signed two bills that will target structural racism and bias in California’s legal system by prohibiting the use of race, ethnicity, and national origin to see or obtain convictions or impose sentences, and to reduce discriminatory practices in the jury selection process.
“As a nation, we can only truly thrive when every one of us has the opportunity to thrive. Our painful history of slavery has evolved into structural racism and bias built into and permeating throughout our democratic and economic institutions,” Gov. Newsom said in a press release statement. “California’s rich diversity is our greatest asset, and we won’t turn away from this moment to make right the discrimination and disadvantages that Black Californians and people of color still face.”
About The Reparation Task Force
The nine-member task force was the brainchild of Democratic Assemblymember Shirley Weber, who represents San Diego.
According to the law, the task force will be responsible for informing Californians about slavery and exploring ways that reparations can be given.
The details remain unclear if residents will be providing input via town hall meetings, public hearings, or forums.
