In January 2024, the California Legislative Black Caucus announced the planned introduction of the 2024 Reparations Priority Bill Package which is part of an ongoing effort to address the historical injustices faced by African Americans due to slavery, segregation, and systemic racism.
The initiative began with the establishment of the California Reparations Task Force in 2020, following the passage of Assembly Bill 3121, which was authored by then-Assemblymember Shirley Weber. The Task Force’s goal was to study and develop reparation proposals for African Americans, particularly those who are descendants of enslaved people.
Although AB 3121 acknowledged that even though California was admitted to the Union as a free state in 1850, there were instances of slavery and discriminatory practices against African Americans within the state. The bill also highlights the broader legacy of systemic racism and its ongoing effects on Black communities.
In June 2023, the Task Force released a detailed report outlining specific harms experienced by Black Californians and recommended various reparations, including financial compensation, cash payments, debt forgiveness, and investments in housing and education. Additionally, it suggested establishing community-based programs, land grants, and other forms of restitution aimed at addressing historical and ongoing inequalities.
The Task Force also proposed that reparations should be limited to descendants of enslaved people, specifically those who are direct descendants of African Americans living in the U.S. before the 20th century.
This eligibility criterion has sparked debate, particularly concerning how to verify lineage and the exclusion of other Black individuals who may have also experienced systemic racism. Concerns about the package also include discussions about the feasibility and funding of such reparations.
Community Interventions Executive Director Ucedrah Osby expressed her support for the package during an interview with Kern Sol News and stated that this package will help Black communities across California by increasing awareness and engagement.
“There have been research and planning meetings to prepare this package, now it’s time to bring it down to a community level. The $12 million that’s currently budgeted is a drop in the bucket so to speak,” said Osby.
Osby continued by saying that dates need to be added as it’s one of the most important aspects of a plan.
“We live in the golden state, and there’s always money. Do not reduce the money. This is what continues to happen when there’s a plan to resource Black Californians. Kern County has been overlooked and resource-deficient for over 100 years. Legislators must create a plan with Black communities to ensure we’re included in the forefront,” Osby said.
