California Moves Closer to Formal Apology for Slavery After Unanimous Assembly Vote

Antonio‌ ‌Ray‌ ‌Harvey‌ ‌|‌ ‌California‌ ‌Black‌ ‌Media‌ (CBM) – California is moving towards officially apologizing for the horrors African Americans endured during chattel slavery after the State Assembly voted unanimously to approve Assembly Bill (AB) 3089 on May 16. Authored by Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), the “California Apology Act for the Perpetration of Gross Human Rights Violations” sailed through the Assembly with a 64-0 floor vote.& AB 3089 is one of 14 reparations bills supported by the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) this legislative session. “Not only is the apology letter important, but it’s also what we do after it becomes law,” Jones-Sawyer said of AB 3089 after the legislation passed. “It’s whether or not we go ahead and fulfill the dream of what my ancestors wanted, which is fully to make us part of the American dream. And most importantly, get rid of the river of racism that has been running through our communities for so many decades and centuries.” Assemblymembers Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), and Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) – all members of the CLBC — spoke on the Assembly floor before the historic vote. & Former Speaker of the Assembly...