SACRAMENTO, Calif. — History was made at the state capitol as lawmakers introduced more than a dozen bills this week to give restitution to Black Americans.
California is the first state to even attempt to turn recommendations from the reparations task force into law.
"For me, this is a defining moment not only in California history but in American history as well," said Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena).
It was a defining moment at the State Capitol, as members of the Legislative Black Caucus announced 14 new bills aimed at giving reparations to Black California descendants of slavery.
If signed into law, the bills would help increase homeownership for Black Californians, give property tax relief, expand access to training and education and the state would have to issue a formal apology for human rights violations. However, none of the proposed new laws included cash compensation.
The lead organizer for the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California said it just isn't enough.
"We also had an announcement of legislation in the last 24 hours from the entire California legislative Black caucus which unveiled about 14 different legislative ideas and proposals, and, to be quite honest with you in our perspective, this is not reparations," said Chris Lodgson, lead organizer for the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California.
Chris Lodgson said he's a descendant of slaves and takes this personally.
He said his organization is quite disappointed in what they've seen so far from the California Legislative Black Caucus.
"But we're hoping and looking forward to additional legislation that includes direct monetary payments, directly to descendants in the United States. We're also looking forward to the creation of a reparations agency that will actually help people apply for reparations," said Lodgson.
"I mean, we're early in this. We'd all love to see cash payments. But we got to be realistic about it and tried to level since I've been on the task force. Reparations was never about cash payments. It was about land, and that's what we're trying to assist," added Sen. Bradford.
Lodgson said lawmakers have the ability to do more, because his ancestors would not be happy with what they're seeing now.
"We're looking forward to additional reparations legislation with monetary benefits targeted, tangible, timely monetary benefits. It's what we deserve," said Lodgson.
Lawmakers said they still have an uphill battle before they make it to a vote and eventually the Governor's desk.
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