Protests Erupt at California State Capitol Over Reparations Bill

By: David Donovan | Last updated: Sep 11, 2024

Two bills that would have provided reparations to the descendants of enslaved Black Americans were withdrawn from consideration in the California legislature. After supporters questioned the bills’ viability, protests broke out.

Democrat state Sen. Steven Bradford of Inglewood expressed, “We’re at the finish line, and we, as the Black Caucus, owe it to the descendants of chattel slavery, to Black Californians and Black Americans, to move this legislation forward.”

Bill 1331 and 1403

Senate Bill 1403 sought to create an agency to manage initiatives for reparations while Senate Bill 1331 aimed to establish a state fund for reparations.

California State Capitol from the fountain plaza in front, there are people on the steps with cars parked on the street and trees on either side.

Source: Robert Dimov/Wikimedia Commons

Direct payments to African Americans were not included in any of the other measures that the Democratic-led California legislature passed to address racial injustices.

“Uphill Battle”

“We knew from the beginning that it was an uphill battle,” said Assemblymember Lori Wilson, chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, “And we also knew from the very beginning that it would be a multiyear effort.”

Lori Wilson standing in a line of people in front of a colorful wall in Ferrara Chicago

Source: AsmLoriDWilson/X

According to the CLBC, “We are well past the amendment deadline; therefore, the decision has been made to continue working on this bill and reintroduce it in the next session. Regarding the status of Senate Bill 1331, the CLBC will not be moving it forward this year.”

Having the Votes

The California Legislative Black Caucus made the decision to delay both bills so that they could be improved further. Reparations advocates protested in response, claiming legislators failed to act despite having the necessary votes for passage.

Members of the CLBC standing on steps outside of an ornate building with Gavin Newsom, they are all wearing suits and formal wear

Source: CABlackCaucus/X

The Coalition for a Just & Equitable California stated, “This kind of selling out can’t go unanswered.”

CJEC Response

CJEC continued in their response, “There must be a political price to pay. Gone are the days when politicians of any race or party can disrespect Black Americans and expect no political consequences. We are not captured.”

Members of CJEC in a classroom as people sit at tables looking towards a screen

Source: cjecofficial/X

“We do not belong to any party or special interest. We are the living embodiment of our Ancestors who built this state and this country over 400 years and who are owed Reparations. We’re coming…No…We’re HERE, to get our checks and more.”

“The People Were Owed a Hearing”

California Republican Assemblymember Bill Essayli said in response to the bills, “Politicians cannot be allowed to make promises to the people who elect them, and then hide like cowards when it’s time to go on record.”

Bill Essayli standing in a line of people in formal wear in front of a colorful mural of a school.

Source: billessayli/X

“At minimum, the People were owed a hearing and opportunity to know where their elected representative stands on the issue.”

Newsom’s Position

Governor Gavin Newsom has not taken a conclusive position on these particular bills, in spite of the fact that he indicated awareness of the reparations report and has been working together with the Black Caucus.

Gavin Newsom speaking to a rally outdoors in front of a building to a large crowd of people.

Source: GavinNewsom/X

The measures were considered to be a key part of some lawmakers’ efforts to pass legislation in order to atone for what they consider a legacy of racist policies that created disparities for Black people from housing to health and education.

“The World is Watching California”

A member of CJEC stated on X, “The governor needs to understand the world is watching California and this is gonna have a direct impact on your friend Kamala Harris who is running for president.”

CJEC members standing in a line in a room with a lectern behind them and an orange feature wall

Source: cjecofficial/X

“This is going to have a direct impact, so pull up the bills now, vote on them and sign them. We’ve been waiting for over 400 years.”

Bill Origins

Initially, the bills were intended to create a process for those who had land stolen as victims of racism and slavery while receiving a formal apology from the state.

Tower Hall, San José State University, San Jose, California, USA, there are people near a small fountain with benches people sit at, the building is cream with redbrick tiles.

Source: Daderot/Wikimedia Commons

The newer drafts of the bills proposed sending $6 million to California State University in order to study how to best implement a strategy to begin the reparations process based on insight from a state task force.

Bill Hesitations

Newsom had previously earmarked $12 million for reparations-related initiatives showing his support for the idea of reparations.

Gavin Newsom posing with supporters in front of a house as people hold signs for Biden Harris in blue t shirts.

Source: GavinNewsom/X

While assembly members were unable to confirm if the requested changes caused the bills to be killed, during the heated debates of the bills, some assembly members argued about where the money for the project would come from and how eligible candidates would be identified for receiving payments.

Confirming the Drafts

The new drafts of the bills were confirmed by author Bradford who stated they did come from Newsom’s office.

Steven Bradford addresses the Senate Rules Committee in support of California Energy Commission Commissioner Janea A. Scott, he speaks into a mic as a woman looks towards him and we see the back of another woman’s head

Source: California Energy Commission/Flickr

In conversation with reporters Bradford claimed that costs were a deciding factor in killing the bills. This year California was forced to make $16 billion in cuts which included a flat 7.95 percent reduction in all state agencies funding.

“Eliminate the Racial Wealth Gap”

A federal bid of $14 trillion is being sought after in Washington by lawmakers in an attempt to “eliminate the racial wealth gap” between Black and white Americans.

Gavin Newsom shaking hands with a man, they are in an office with people standing near them out of frame.

Source: GavinNewsom/X

Critics have argued that payouts to chosen individuals would create divisions in society.

Last year a survey of 6,000 registered California voters showed only 23 percent were in favor of cash reparations while 59 percent were against the idea.