Activists Protest Legislative Inaction on Critical Reparations Bills

Activists Protest Legislative Inaction on Critical Reparations Bills

In a powerful show of disappointment, activists rallied against the California Legislature’s delay of two critical reparations bills, leaving the future of systemic racial justice uncertain.

At a Glance

  • Two reparations bills were shelved by the California Legislature on August 31, 2023
  • Proposals included Senate Bill 1331 and Senate Bill 1403, introduced by state Sen. Steven Bradford
  • Activists, led by Chris Lodgson from CJEC, blamed Black Caucus members
  • Gov. Gavin Newsom’s amendments proposed studies instead of actions
  • Future of reparations efforts remains in limbo

Legislative Delay Sparks Outcry

Activists rallied at the California State Capitol on August 31, 2023, following the legislature’s decision to defer two significant reparations bills. These bills, Senate Bill 1331 and Senate Bill 1403, were intended to compensate and address historical injustices towards descendants of enslaved African Americans. The failure to bring these bills to a vote has fueled protests and expressions of frustration from the community.

Introduced by state Sen. Steven Bradford, Senate Bill 1331 aimed to establish a fund for future reparations payments, while Senate Bill 1403 proposed creating an agency to implement recommendations from California’s Reparations Task Force. These proposals were part of a larger package of 14 reparations measures suggested by the California Black Caucus.

Activists Voice Concerns

Protesters attribute the legislative delays partly to amendments proposed by Governor Gavin Newsom, which recommended ordering studies over taking concrete actions. Republican Assemblyman Bill Essayli’s attempt to bring AB 1331 to the floor for a vote was also unsuccessful. This has led to significant opposition, particularly from the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC).

“I think a lot of us are shocked, outraged, and enraged,” said Chris Lodgson, lead organizer for CJEC. “Never would I have thought that our own Black Caucus members would kill their own reparations bills.”

Future of Reparations

The Black Caucus plans to reintroduce a modified version of the stalled bills in the next legislative session. The session concluded without any vote on these critical bills, leaving the future of reparations uncertain and sparking further debate within California.

“Protests erupted at the California State Capitol after a pair of reparations bills for the descendants of enslaved Black Americans were shelved.”

The California Reparations Task Force, created in 2020, stands as a testament to the state’s pledge towards addressing systemic racial injustices. Advocates continue to call for direct actions and payments to those affected by slavery and racial discrimination, underlining the critical need for legislative responsiveness and accountability.

Conclusion

The delay of these pivotal reparations bills underscores the ongoing complexity and urgency of achieving racial justice. Activists vow to persist in their fight, demanding clear legislative action and accountability. As the debate ensues, the call for reparations remains a pressing issue that requires swift and decisive action from California’s lawmakers.

“I am not disdained, and I am not discouraged. I came here to fight for Black Americans whose families were enslaved in this country. My family was enslaved in this country. So, I am not giving up. If they think that this is over, they are wrong,” said activist Tiffany Quarles.

As the community continues to mobilize and express their dissatisfaction, all eyes remain on the legislative body’s next steps.

Sources

  1. Activists protest legislature
  1. Two historic California reparations bills stall out — sparing Newsom a tough political call
  1. Advocates Express Outrage and Disappointment as Calif. Reparations Bills Stall in Legislature
  1. Protest erupts at California state Capitol because of stalled reparations proposals
  1. Two historic California reparations bills stall out — sparing Newsom a tough political call
  1. Protests erupt at California State Capitol after pair of reparations bills shelved
  1. California slavery reparations bills unraveled over Gavin Newsom amendments
  1. ‘A complete betrayal’: CA Reparations Task Force leader responds to Legislative Black Caucus decision to block bills
  1. A Reader’s Response to Advocates Express Outrage and Disappointment as Calif. Reparations Bills Stall in Legislature
  1. After key reparations bills stall, California lawmakers say they’ll try again next year