Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed several bills included in a priority reparations package introduced by the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), including Assembly Bill 3089 — which formally apologies to Black Californians for the harms caused by slavery, discrimination and other historical injustices.
However, some advocates say they do not consider the legislation reparations.
Newsom signed the historic bills into law before members of CLBC in the State Capitol Annex Swing Spaces’ press room. The bills address key issues such as housing disparities, maternal health, economic inequality, and educational access –issues that have long disproportionately impacted Black Californians.
“Today’s bill signing represents a promise for the future based on years of hard work and dedication from the CLBC and our allies,” stated Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City). “Together with Gov. Newsom, we are sending a powerful message that California is leading the way in repairing the harm done to Black communities. Today marks a victory, but only the first in the continued fight for justice.”
California continues to confront the state’s past role in facilitating and enforcing slavery — and the discrimination that continued against Black Californians after slavery was abolished.
— California Governor (@CAgovernor) September 26, 2024
Today, we take another step forward, making amends for these grave injustices of the past. pic.twitter.com/5tJZsQfzOE
AB 3089 passed the Legislature with unanimous bipartisan support. It acknowledges California’s historical role in the perpetuation of slavery and its enduring legacy.
A Sept. 26 statement issued by Newsom states that the “signing event marks a significant milestone in California’s ongoing efforts to promote healing and advance justice.”
“As we confront the lasting legacy of slavery, I’m profoundly grateful for the efforts put forward by Chair Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson and the members of the California Legislative Black Caucus,” Newsom stated. “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.”
Authored by Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), AB 3089 requires the state to install a plaque memorializing the apology in the State Capitol.
Additionally, the bill imposes different duties on the Department of General Services (DGS) and the Joint Rules Committee (JRC) relating to the installation and maintenance of the plaque. Both entities will receive money from grants and private donations to finance the upkeep of the plaque.
The Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC) – a statewide grassroots advocates, organizers, and mobilizers for reparations and reparative justice – say they do not recognize AB 3089 as reparations.
On Sept. 27, the organization’s members posted their thoughts about the bill on the X platform formerly called Twitter. CJEC members describe the reparations package as “racial equity bills.”

“An apology is not #Reparations, nor is it a first step toward Reparations. It’s a step backward. We don’t need any more words. We demand action. We demand Reparations,” CJEC posted.
Other reparations bills signed into law are SB 1348, Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) designating specific public universities as California Black-serving institutions; AB 1984 (Weber), requires systematically review of pupils’ suspensions and expulsions data; and AB 51, Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), which supports Early Childcare and Education: California State Preschool.
Assembly Constitutional Amendment (ACA) 8 was part of the package, but it will be on the ballot as Prop. 6. The ballot measure would amend the state constitution to prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime if passed by voters.
Two reparations bills were vetoed by Newsom.
California Black Media is an editorial partner with The Bulletin
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