In a nation still grappling with its history of racism, the need for justice reverberates louder than ever. The African American experience in the United States is characterized by a recurring pattern of unfulfilled pledges, spanning both distant and recent times. However, California is making the first strides toward mending the damage.
On June 29, 2023, the Task Force for African American Reparations issued a final proposal to the State Legislature on how California can repair centuries of unfair treatment towards Black Californians. After nearly 100 witnesses and 200 hours of public hearings, the nine-member panel released a more than 1000-page document detailing their recommendations.
These reparations intend to repair the human rights violations caused by slavery and subsequent discrimination. They could come in the form of direct cash payments or their equivalent like infrastructure investments, college tuition, or other options to those eligible, in addition to a formal apology issued by the state to those affected by slavery.
Historical Background
While California was not officially a slave state, it did not escape the centuries of discrimination plaguing the country. From 1850 to 1860, more than 2,000 enslaved people were brought to California during the Gold Rush. Despite being a free state, California didn’t enact any laws guaranteeing freedoms for all. Today, the impacts of slavery are still apparent through systemic racism such as the racial wealth gap and mass incarceration disparities,
The only reparations appointed from slavery, despite the promise of 40 acres and a mule, were to slave owners after the Emancipation Proclamation of 1862. If victims of slavery received proper reparations, the state of racial inequality in America would look very different today.
Paul Austin, founder and CEO of the non-profit Play Marin, shared his perspective on these historical inequalities.
“Upon African Americans being freed from slavery, they were supposed to be given 40 acres. Historically, from a debt perspective, 80 percent of wealth is through ownership of property. So, if my ancestors received that, imagine what that could have done for our family,” Austin said.
Meanwhile, other groups who experienced unfair treatment in the United States received compensation, including Japanese Americans after internment during WWII and Americans who experienced harm from the COVID-19 vaccines. Therefore, leaving those impacted by the system of slavery wondering if our state or country will ever take action.
For many Black community members, like Keith Jackson, youth mentor for Tamalpais Union High School District students, despite its problems, the idea of reparations is hopeful.
“It will never replace what happened. But just the thought that America would be saying there was wrongdoing and here's something to show for in good faith, can start a little healing,” Jackson said. "But I’m not holding my breath for [reparations]. I think Black people have doubts about it actually happening. …There are always possibilities if you think positively, but at the same time it's been discussed for so many years, [but] there’s been no movement."
Meanwhile, other groups who experienced unfair treatment in the United States received rightful compensation, including Japanese Americans after internment during WWII and Americans who experienced harm from the COVID-19 vaccines, among others. Therefore, leaving those impacted by slavery, including Keith Jackson, wondering if our state or country will ever take action.
“I’m not holding my breath for [reparations]. I think black people have doubts about it actually happening…There's always possibilities if you think positively, but at the same time it's been discussed for so many years, [but] there’s been no movement… So what's gonna change?” said Jackson.
Public Opinion and Education
Reparations are a necessary step in addressing the systemic racism caused by slavery and in healing many deep-cut wounds. However, since the report came out in June, for those wary of reparations, controversy intensified. For Austin, the stigma around reparations is due to a lack of education and a result of systemic racism.
“These concerns or excuses [are because] people get scared of the word reparations… It is one of those buzzwords where it gets offensive to the bigger majority of people, which is white people… But no, the word reparations means to repair,” Austin said. “The inequities from slavery are still happening. So what are we going to do to help make adjustments?”
Only 30% of Redwood students said they felt confident they could have a conversation about reparations. This speaks to the education around reparations: if people don’t understand what reparations mean, how can they form an opinion? Melvin Atkins, leader of the Marin City Reparations Task force and participant in State Task Force hearings, shared his thoughts on the need for education and the meaning of reparations.
“There's this big need for education. Reparations are not a giveaway or welfare. It is a debt. Like a loan, paying someone for work, or damages…Since we live in a society that has dirtied up the image of black people– who we are and what we are– people have predetermined biases. Nobody thinks we deserve anything,” Atkins said. “But on the other hand, where does this come from?... It’s historical racism and generational trauma. So In order for people to be really educated they need to understand this.”
Another critical concern for California is the option of direct cash payments to descendants of African Americans compared to reparations as public developments.
According to a University of California Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll, 59% of California voters opposed cash reparations, including 51% of white voters. For Austin, whatever the reparation type black Americans should have the freedom to choose.
“I see it as you get people reparations and allow them to do with it as they please, if they want to blow the money on traveling or whatever, they should have the option. Because no matter what race you are, some people are going to do wonderful things and some will be selfish. But if we don't give people those options, then we're never truly doing right by people,” Austin said.
Moving Forward
Beyond justice and emotional healing, reparations could bring many benefits to people of all ethnicities. For instance, diversify racially biased areas like Marin or produce economic upturn if properly rolled out. According to Austin, reparations will only bring us closer together.
“[If reparations are implemented] America will still win in the end, with an economic boost and a bigger melting pot [of cultures]. Not only that, it will [also] tell the truth about our history,” said Austin. “So give those folks the opportunity to benefit from the backs of their ancestors.”
As historic as this moment may be, advocates for reparations have not yet crossed the finish line. The State Legislature will have to decide which recommendations they want to turn into bills for consideration. The bills would then need to be voted on by State Assembly members and the Senate — if approved, they would be sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom to be signed into law or vetoed. Unfortunately however, this may not happen until next year.
As of recent months, very few lawmakers publicly expressed support for preliminary recommendations. Damon Connolly, assembly member for Marin County (San Rafael, District D), is one of the few proclaiming support for reparations and the task force’s preliminary recommendations.
If momentum toward restitution continues California could become a blueprint for the rest of the nation. In the meantime, Californians, especially students, can continue to learn about reparations and the lasting impacts of slavery to further these uncomfortable conversations.