California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new law that formalizes an apology for slavery and its lasting impacts on Black Americans in the state. This legislation is part of a group of reparations bills aimed at addressing historic injustices and racial disparities faced by African Americans. Alongside the apology for slavery, Newsom also approved laws to combat hair discrimination for athletes and enhance oversight on book banning in state prisons.

In a statement, Governor Newsom expressed the state’s acknowledgment of its involvement in promoting and permitting slavery, as well as the enduring racial disparities that stem from this dark period in history. The move is seen as a significant step towards recognizing past injustices and making reparations for the harm caused.

While signing these bills, Newsom did veto a proposal that sought to help Black families reclaim or receive compensation for property that was unjustly taken by the government through eminent domain. This veto was due to the lack of another bill that would have established a reparations agency to review such claims.

Although efforts to study reparations at the federal level have faced obstacles in Congress, some states like Illinois and New York have made progress by creating reparations commissions. California has taken significant strides on this issue, allocating up to $12 million for reparations legislation in its recent $297.9 billion budget.

One of the new laws signed by Newsom aims to improve outcomes for students of color in K-12 career education programs. Additionally, a proposal supported by the Black caucus to ban forced labor as a punishment for crime in the state constitution will be on the November ballot.

The state also passed a law to increase oversight on books banned in state prisons. This legislation, authored by State Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, mandates the Office of the Inspector General to review banned publications and evaluate the reasoning behind the bans. Bryan emphasized the importance of transparency in this process to ensure a fair and just system.

California’s actions represent a significant move towards acknowledging past wrongs and working towards a more equitable future for Black Americans in the state.