In a pivotal moment for California, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a series of groundbreaking bills on September 26 aimed at addressing the state’s historical mistreatment of African Americans. The legislation includes a formal apology from the state for its role in perpetuating slavery and oppressing Black residents, marking a significant step in the movement toward reparations. Newsom’s actions represent a symbolic acknowledgment of past injustices and a move toward accountability, following a growing national conversation about reparations and systemic racism.

Momentum for reparations in California gained considerable traction in 2023, following the release of a report by the California Reparations Task Force. The comprehensive document detailed the state’s involvement in slavery, as well as the lasting harm caused by institutional racism and implicit bias. This report, widely covered by outlets such as KQED, highlighted the state’s historical and ongoing responsibility for the disenfranchisement of Black Californians. It fueled legislative efforts to introduce reparations measures, framing these bills as a step toward righting centuries of wrongs.

Assemblymember Lori Wilson, D-Suisun City, a key proponent of the reparations bills, praised Newsom’s signing of the legislation as a landmark achievement. “Together with Gov. Newsom, we are sending a powerful message that California is leading the way in repairing harm done to Black communities,” she stated. Wilson emphasized that while the recent bill signings represent a victory, they are just the beginning of a larger fight for justice. Members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), who spearheaded these efforts, focused on creating reparations measures that were both practical and meaningful, resisting calls for more controversial methods like direct cash payments.

Despite these legislative wins, challenges remain. Newsom vetoed two related bills the day before the landmark signings—one that would have required Medi-Cal to cover food interventions and another that sought to establish a statewide process for reviewing racism claims. He cited concerns over costs as the reason for these rejections. Still, the path forward for reparations is far from over, as nine bills have successfully passed the state Assembly and Senate, and more will be decided by California voters in upcoming elections.