California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed several bills Thursday to address the state's history of racism, including a formal apology for its “role in perpetuating slavery.”
“California accepts responsibility for our role in promoting, promoting, and permitting slavery and for our enduring legacy of deep racial disparities.California is building on decades of work. We are now taking another important step in promoting, promoting and condoning slavery, recognizing the grave injustices of the past and making amends for the harm caused.” Newsom said in a statement:.
The state's Legislative Black Caucus also joined Newsom in signing the bill Thursday.
Some of the key bills mentioned in the press release include increasing access to literature in prisons, employment discrimination, college and career financial aid, and a formal apology for slavery and stronger protections against discrimination. It addresses mental health disparities and food and health care deserts.
this will come the next day Newsom vetoed the bill. Black families would then have been able to recover property or receive compensation for their wrongfully acquired property due to racially motivated uses of prominent land. Newsom said in his veto message: While he thanked the bill's authors “for their commitment to redressing past racial injustices,” he said the bill “imposes obligations on state agencies that do not exist to carry out its various provisions and requirements.” “It has become impossible to implement it,” he said.
According to the release, California joins other states such as Florida, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Alabama, New Jersey and Iowa that acknowledge the continuing impact and history of racial discrimination.
Mr. Newsom also thanked State Legislative Black Caucus Chair Lori Wilson (D) for her work with other members of the party.
“I deeply appreciate the efforts of Chairman Wilson and the members of the California Legislative Black Caucus as we confront the enduring legacy of slavery,” he said in a statement.
Wilson said reparations are a “multi-year effort.”
“These bills lay a meaningful foundation to address the historic injustices faced by Black Californians, and I would like to thank our caucus colleagues and advocacy leaders who have supported this effort. This is a multi-year effort, and I look forward to continuing my partnership with the Governor on this important work for lasting justice and equity in the coming years. ” she said.
