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By Bo Tefu, Joe W. Bowers Jr., and Lila Brown | California Black Media
The California Legislative Black Caucus CLBC) has partnered with the California Black Freedom Fund (CBFF) for a tour that raises awareness about the fight for reparations in California.
The CBFF is a community-based organization and non-profit leading a five-year initiative that aims to invest $100 million towards Black power-building and movement-based organizations statewide.
The organization announced the “State of Black California Tour,” a series of six community events that bring together lawmakers, local leaders, and community members.
During the events, attendees raise questions and concerns that address historical, current and emerging challenges in various Black communities across California. Those discussions will focus on educating and motivating the public about the work the California Reparations task force has completed and why it is critical to compensate Black Californians for historical wrongs they have endured.
The first event in the series was held in San Diego on June 15.
Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa) was the host of the San Diego event and moderated the discussion, “on the state of the Black community and how we work to secure the future all Black Californians deserve,” the organization stated.
“I am deeply honored to stand before you as we gather to discuss a matter of profound importance: The State of Black California,” said Weber, Secretary of the CLBC. She was speaking on June 15, making the opening statement during the San Diego stop of the tour.
“Today, we come together not only to acknowledge these injustices but to reaffirm the California Legislative Black Caucus’ commitment to rectifying many of the harms outlined in the California Reparations Task Force report.”
Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber also spoke at the San Diego event.
The elder Weber said when she was a lawmaker many of her colleagues in the Legislature were reluctant to support AB 3121, the reparations bill she introduced that garnered bi-partisan support and made the task force possible. They were hesitant because they thought a bill that provided monetary compensation to Black Californians “would divide California.”
“We used the United Nations model in terms of what you’re supposed to do for reparations across the world. So, we had the backing of the international community,” said Weber. This is the standard across the world: to do reparations.”
“The fact that we have not given African Americans reparations is a blemish on this country,” said Weber. “The nation and the world have standards of justice, and this nation has never met those standards. Reparations is one of those standards that needs to be met for African Americans for the 400 years of injustices we have suffered.”
Leaders of local organizations, grassroots advocates, and community members are encouraged to attend an event in their respective communities.
The tour will continue to various cities across the state, including Santa Barbara, Fresno, Sacramento, Oakland, and Moreno Valley. The events will be held once a month starting in June up until October 2024.
Californians interested in attending an event in their area can find additional information on State of Black California website. Details for events held in each city are available online including registration, speakers, and necessary updates.
