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NEW YORK, NY— The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), America’s oldest Black Christian denomination, is now on record supporting the struggle for reparations. At the recent 52nd Session of the General Conference, a reparations resolution passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 1394 to 50.

The resolution stated that the African Methodist Episcopal Church “stands in solidarity with both our ancestors and brothers and sisters across the globe demanding reparations for the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, chattel slavery, Jim Crow, racial terror, mass incarceration at the hands of an unjust criminal justice system, housing discrimination, political and physical assassinations, and the exploitation of natural and human resources on the continent of Africa. Furthermore, this resolution calls on the AME Social Action Commission on the historic 60th Anniversary of its existence to make reparations a major policy point of advocacy with its own sub-committee during the forthcoming quadrennial.

The resolution was written and introduced by Rev. Dr. Robert Turner, long-time reparations champion and pastor of Baltimore’s Empowerment Temple AME Church. Pastor Turner is also a commissioner on the National African American Reparations Commission (NAARC) and over the past year has walked some 40 miles each month from his Baltimore Church to the gates of the White House in a silent vigil calling on the Biden Administration to establish a national reparations commission by executive order.

Fellow NAARC commissioners praised Pastor Turner for his breakthrough initiative. Dr. Ron Daniels, convenor of NAARC, described it as “historic”, Commissioner Justin Hansford called it “fantastic,” Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Grills characterized it as “an awesome accomplishment” while Commissioner Robin Rue Simmons congratulated Dr. Turner and thanked him for his leadership.

“The AME Church is a global Christian denomination and in voting for this resolution, delegates from all over the world shows people of the African Diaspora supporting reparations for both past and current atrocities such as slavery, Jim Crow and the economic exploitation of people of African descent,” said Dr. Turner. “It urges members to go back to their districts and fight for reparations, inspired and equipped by God.”

The resolution also noted that whereas economic incentives have been widely and freely shared with whites and denied to blacks, from the New Deal to the GI Bill, which saved the American economy after the Great Depression, blacks were also denied home loans until 1968 and redlined into undervalued neighborhoods with no compensation to date.

“Moreover, reparations using taxpayer dollars have been given to Japanese Americans, Jewish Holocaust survivors, indigenous Americans, and even to slave owners and veterans of the Confederacy, to date, there have been no reparations paid to the African American community,” the resolution stated.

The African Methodist Episcopal Church was founded by freed, formerly enslaved persons such as Richard Allen with a goal of assisting in the social and political upliftment for Africans and their descendants in America.

The resolution noted that today, the AME Church is located all over the globe “in places where people of African descent have been brutalized, enslaved, marginalized, sexually assaulted, economically exploited and politically oppressed, with no compensation nor justice to date.”

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Scores of advocates from across California protested at the State Capitol Saturday after the Legislature failed to bring two critical reparations bills to the floor for a full vote on Aug. 31, the final day of the legislative session.

Chanting “What do we want? Reparations! When do we want it? Now!,” the advocates expressed their outrage and disappointment that Senate Bill (SB) 1403 and Senate Bill (SB) 1331 — both authored by Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) — had stalled.

Despite advancing smoothly through much of the legislative process this year, the session concluded without a vote on both bills, leaving the future of reparations in California hanging in the balance.

“This is becoming a political disaster. It’s our own people holding this up,” said Chris Lodgson, reparations advocate from the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC), blaming members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC).

Lodgson said the Legislature’s decision to pass another bill, Assembly Bill (AB) 1840, on Aug. 28, only heightened his frustration.

AB 1840, authored by Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno), would allow eligible undocumented immigrants to purchase homes with state-backed financing through the California Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loan program.

AB 1840 passed the Assembly on Aug. 28, and is now moving on to the governor for his consideration, prompting some in the Black community to feel overlooked.

“This tells me and Black Californians who are ancestors of slavery, who built this country we are not as important,” Lodgson said. “We’re not a priority or important as those other programs. That’s what is most infuriating and that’s what Black legislators are telling their people. That’s not going to be accepted.”

Tiffany Quarles, a reparations activist and supporter of Bradford’s bills, drove from Los Angeles to Sacramento to watch what she thought would be the passage of a historic vote.

“I am not disdained, and I am not discouraged. I came here to fight for Black Americans whose families were enslaved in this country. My family was enslaved in this country. So, I am not giving up. If they think that this is over, they are wrong,” said Quarles. “We still demand lineage-based reparations.”

Quarles said she believes Democratic leaders decided against advancing the bills because they are worried their decision would hurt V.P. Kamala Harris’s chances of winning the presidency.

“They will sacrifice Black America just to get her in, and that’s not right,” stated Quarles.

According to Bradford, the Governor’s Office expressed some concerns over his reparation’s bills.

“They offered up some amendments that weren’t accepted by me. We had no indications of any amendments up until Monday (Aug. 26) of this week,” said Bradford.

“We had legislation that made it out of Assembly Appropriations committee without one single amendment — not a single amendment was offered up. We moved these bills with the understanding that we had the votes to take it up on the Assembly floor,” Bradford explained. “It was just some simple amendment that pretty much would have gutted SB 1403 and made it an additional study.”

Bradford, who served on the Reparations Task force, said California researched reparations for two years and delivered a 1,100-page report to the legislature. Therefore, there is no need to conduct an additional study.

The CLBC issued a statement on the final day of the legislative session confirming that SB 1403 would not be brought to a vote this session and would be reintroduced next session.

“The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) remains steadfast in our commitment to advancing the CLBC 2024 Reparations Priority Legislative Package,” the statement read. “The CLBC has chosen to concentrate our collective energy on the legislative priorities that the entire caucus has voted on and those that positively impact Black Californians.”

The CLBC reaffirmed its commitment to its 2024 reparations priority legislative package, despite SB 1403 and SB 1331 not being part of the original package.

The CLBC statement emphasized the complexity of the legislative process and its ongoing dedication to advancing reparative justice for Black Californians.

SB 1403 aimed to establish the California American Freedmen Affairs Agency to recommend measures for compensating Black Californians who are descendants of enslaved people. SB 1331 proposed the creation of the Fund for Reparations and Reparative Justice in the State Treasury to fund policies approved by the Legislature and Governor that address the harm done to descendants of enslaved African American persons who experienced chattel slavery or free Black people living in the U.S. before the end of the 19th century.

Another bill in the CLBC’s legislative package, SB 1050, authored by Bradford and introduced for the vote by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), calls for the establishment of a process for California to review and investigate public complaints from individuals who claim their property was taken without just compensation as a result of racially motivated eminent domain. The legislation would also establish a process for providing compensation to the rightful owner. That bill passed with a 56-0 vote on Aug. 29, marking a significant victory for those advocating for reparative justice.

“We understand that the legislative process is complex and does not always unfold as initially envisioned. However, we remain committed to our long-term goals and recognize that this is a multi-year effort,” the CLBC statement continued.

According to the CLBC, the work of advancing reparations and achieving justice for Black Californians is “far from complete.”

“We will not be distracted from our mission. We will stay focused on the work at hand, united in our purpose, and dedicated to the cause of reparations and equity for all. The CLBC will continue to lead with integrity and purpose, ensuring that our legislative efforts are impactful and meaningful for the communities we serve,” the statement concluded.

Los Angeles Attorney, Kamilah Moore, who served as chair of the Reparations Task Force, called the turn of events “unconscionable.”

“The bills sailed through various committees and people expected them to be introduced to the floor for a vote,” Moore said. “What happened was unexpected. It’s causing a lot of confusion and different emotions from the community.”

“I think it was unconscionable that no legislator had the courage to get up and introduce the bills, particularly the California Legislative Black Caucus. The CLBC is such an esteemed institution. They had the chance, and still have a chance, to do something historic.”

By McKenzie Jackson | California Black Media

Over 36,000 Black Californians maintained coverage with a health insurance provider through the 14-month Medi-Cal to Covered California redetermination process led by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and Covered California

This number does not include Californians who have employer or private insurance or those who have been enrolled in Medi-Cal or Covered California and have met all the eligibility requirements for both programs.

In total, more than 158,000 Californians retained their health coverage through the statewide redetermination initiative, which began in April 2023 and ran until June of this year, according to DHCS.

Covered California Chief Medical Officer and Chief Deputy Executive Director Dr. S. Monica Soni said the availability of affordable health coverage can help prevent negative medical outcomes in the Golden State’s Black communities. That coverage includes Medi-Cal, California’s version of the Medicaid program — which offers free or low-cost health care access to low-income people across the nation — or one of the affordable health plans offered through Covered California, the state’s health insurance exchange.

“We know primary care is one of the ways to have good health and wellness — from behavioral health to physical health to instances where someone has a substance abuse disorder,” said Soni, also a primary care doctor and the first Black Chief Medical Officer at Covered California.

“Our communities are some of the most incredible community-oriented, health-seeking ambitious folks,” Soni continued. “We have a lot of assets in our communities, but it is true we have higher rates of death for many cancers. We have more obesity. We have really higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure as well.”

The redetermination project kicked off when Medi-Cal resumed its renewal process to establish eligibility for over 15 million of its members following the end of the federal continuous coverage requirement put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Covered California automatically enrolled individuals in one of its low-cost health plans with insurers such as Aetna Health, Anthem Blue Cross of California, Health Net, Molina Health Plan, or Valley Health Plan if they lost Medi-Cal coverage and qualified for Covered California.

Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman said people who received health insurance through Covered California didn’t experience a gap in coverage.

“We are proud of these results so far, and the Medi-Cal to Covered California program is now a mainstay in our effort to keep Californians covered with comprehensive, affordable health insurance,” she said in a statement.

Soni said continuing the automatic enrollment beyond the redetermination process helped to keep health insurance accessible for state residents.

According to a survey conducted last fall on behalf of Covered California by NORC and Slosar Research, 82% of people in the Medi-Cal renewal processes were covered through employer- insurance; were already enrolled with Covered California, or returned to Medi-Cal.
Soni stated that the main obstacle that prevents people without health insurance from selecting a plan through Covered California is a belief the price will be out of their budget.

“Sometimes people are worried about the cost,” she explained. “We have zero-dollar and $10-a-month plans, depending on household income. Regardless of what health plan you choose all of your primary care costs are the same. We believe you should be able to shop for the health plan you want.”

Covered California’s open enrollment period runs from November of this year to January 2025. Soni said Covered California will have record levels of support and affordability during the upcoming year.

“Incredible support we are getting from the state and federal government makes us able to do that,” she said.

Everyone should use their health coverage to see a doctor as required, based on their individual or family medical history, Soni said, recalling her experience working at a Los Angeles area hospital.

“I’ve had many circumstances where someone wasn’t going to see a primary care provider and showed up in the emergency room with an advanced cancer that could have been caught early and treated, but now it is too far advanced to really get treatment,” she recalled. “That is a 40-year-old, that is a young person, who again with earlier care, all of that could have been prevented.”

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media??

On the opening night of the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 19 in Chicago, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass commended Vice President Kamala Harris, describing her as a role model who fights to protect children.

During her speech, Bass recalled working together with Harris on youth homelessness and fixing the child welfare system over a decade ago when she served as the head of the California Assembly and Harris was a state prosecutor.

“Our bond was forged years ago, by a shared commitment to children,” said Bass, honoring their 20 years of friendship.

“A belief that it is everybody’s responsibility to care for every child, no matter where they come from or no matter who their parents are,” she said.

A well-known advocate for children, Bass created the Bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth and worked closely with Harris. The Vice President worked closely with Bass to help young people in the juvenile justice system when she served as the California Attorney General.

Bass spoke highly of Harris’ dedication as a public servant and advocate for young people.

As a leader Harris, “feels the importance of this work in her bones. When Kamala meets a young person, you can feel her passion. You can feel her heart. And you can feel her fearlessness,” said Bass.

“That is what defines a commitment to children: being willing to fight fiercely for every child. And trust me, Kamala has done that her entire life,” she added.

Both Democrats made history in their current leadership roles when Harris became the first female vice president of the United States and Bass became the first woman mayor of L.A. in 2022. Harris swore Bass into that role, an act both women agree sent a powerful message to young girls that they too can become leaders.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Every one of you follows your stubborn, evil will, refusing to listen to Me. [Jeremiah 16:12]. You have turned to Me your back and not your face. And though I have taught you persistently, you have not listened to receive instruction [Jeremiah 32:33]. My Word is an object of scorn to you, which you take no pleasure in it. [Jeremiah 6:10]. You have stiffened your neck that you might not hear and receive instructions. [Jeremiah 17:23]. This has been your way from your youth, that you have not obeyed My voice. [Jeremiah 22:21]. Although I persistently sent to you all My servants the prophets. [Jeremiah 25:4]. For years My Word has come to you, but you have not listened. [Jeremiah 25:37]. Circumcise yourselves to Me, remove the foreskin of your hearts. [Jeremiah 4:4; Jeremiah 9:25-26] If you do not, I am going to bring disaster upon you that you cannot escape. For you have provoked me to anger with the work of your hands to your own harm because you have not listened. [Jeremiah 25:7].

Though they will cry to Me in their troubles, I will not listen to them. [Jeremiah 11:11] So do not pray for them or lift up a cry on their behalf. [Jeremiah 11:14]. I have spoken to them persistently, but they have not listened. [Jeremiah 35:14].

I want you to understand, there comes a day when God’s patience runs out, and when it does, the results are disastrous. [Jeremiah 35:17]. God has good plans for us, but if we refuse to listen, He will not reward our disobedience. What is true for the nations is true for us: “If at any time God declares concerning a nation or a kingdom that He will build and plant it, and if it does evil in His sight, not listening to His voice, He will relent of the good that He had intended to do to it” [Jeremiah 18:9-10].

I tell you, refusing to listen to God is the Ultimate Foolishness! If we hear God’s Word, but only obediently listen when it is convenient, we will be undone. This is a key in [Jeremiah Chapter 42] which tells the story of Johanan and the remnant of Judah after most were taken away in the Babylonian captivity. Jeremiah was asked to pray to God on behalf of the people and pledges, [Jeremiah 42:6]. But when Jeremiah prays, God tells him the opposite of what Johanan was hoping to hear. God said, “Don’t go to Egypt; don’t be afraid of the Babylonians; I’ll protect you. But since God’s word was not what Johanan wanted to hear, he insisted, “You are telling a lie. The Lord our God did not send you to say, ‘Do not go to Egypt to live there” [Jeremiah 43:2]. God’s word could not have been clearer. But Johanan refused to listen. God destroyed him and his insolent companions.

This is how many people “listen” to God’s word. They are willing to hear, but they are not willing to obey when it is inconvenient. Instead, they look for every possible excuse to obscure and dilute the plain voice of God in Scripture. I tell you, Samuel’s response should be ours: “Speak, for you servant hears.” [1 Samuel 3:9-10] because refusing to listen to God is the worst kind of stubbornness and the ultimate foolishness, since it ends in our own harm: certain judgment by the hand of the Almighty.

How often they rebelled against Him in the wilderness and grieved Him in the desert! [Psalm 78:40]. Therefore, He turned Himself to become their enemy, He fought against them. [Isaiah 63:10].

I tell you; Refusing to obey the Lord is the Ultimate Foolishness!

Repent!

By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media??

So far, 82% of eligible voters in California registered to vote in the November general election, Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber announced last week.

The voter registration report states that over 22 million voters have registered to vote, a slight decrease in the total number of voters that registered in the previous general in 2020. According to state data nearly half of the voters registered as Democrats, approximately 46%, as compared to nearly 24% who identified as Republican.

The report covers a period of 123 days, ending on July 5.

A growing number of voters selected that they had no party preference. Over 24 percent of voters preferred neither party.

Last month, Weber announced that the state mailed vital information to every voting household about the general election, including candidate statements. The state also provided information regarding the Voter Bill of Rights and official voter guide available in 10 languages including English, Spanish, Chinese, and Hindi, among others.

According to state data from all 58 counties, political affiliation varied by county revealing that the Democratic Party had a slight lead in major counties. The counties with the highest number of registered Democrats include San Francisco, Marin, Santa Cruz, and Alameda counties. While counties such as Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, and Tehama had the highest number of Republicans registered to vote.

Weber has pushed back on misinformation and conspiracy theories about the vote-counting process following the county election earlier this year. Weber’s office clarified that election results would be finalized 38 days after election day to certify the results.

“Doing it right takes precedence over doing it fast,” said Weber.

“The time taken to process ballots ensures voters’ rights and the integrity of the election,” she said.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. [Luke 21:20]. When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation standing where it does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the housetop go down or enter the house to take anything out. Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that this will not take place in winter, because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again. I have told you everything ahead of time. [Mark 13:14-23]. Buckle Up! It’s About to Get Rough!

As Paul in [2 Timothy 3:1] told Timothy, sit up and pay attention.  Dangerous times, very difficult times are coming. John calls it the ?last hour. [1 John 2:18]. If this is what we have to look forward to [and it is], how then should you live? How will you survive the “savage days” that are coming our way? Get under the Umbrella of the Almighty God. That is the ONLY WAY! Period! No If’s, and Buts about it. God is our ONLY REFUGE!

Understand all that Christ and the Apostles meant and the wide-ranging implications, because your survival and salvation depend on that understanding and your action.

In his vision, the Apostle John declared, “The great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” [Revelation 6:17]. What caused him to say this? He saw the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, who represent the coming judgment of the tribulation period.

Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.” And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. Now in Biblical symbolism, a white horse speaks of victory. At Jesus’ return, He will come upon a white horse, with all the saints following Him. [Revelation 19:11-16]. But this white horse in [Revelation 6: 1-2] is a picture of the Antichrist. He is mimicking the Second Coming of Christ. This Antichrist, whom the Bible also calls the Beast, will come as a worldwide leader.

Then I saw another horse, Fiery Red, The Horse of War, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword. [Revelation 6:4].

Behold, a Black Horse, the Horse of Famine, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.”
After dominion comes destruction and then deprivation. [Revelation 6:5b-6]

Then behold, a Pale Horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth. [Revelation 6:8].

I tell you, “Buckle Up! It’s About to Get Rough!” The Great Tribulation will be so horrible that men will want to die, calling death a welcome release—but it will not be, because after death comes judgment and Hell.

They despised the longsuffering of God.

Because they have failed to listen, I will surely bring calamity on them which they will not be able to escape; and though they cry out to Me, I will not listen to them. [Jeremiah 11:11]. I will pursue them with sword, famine, and plague. I will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth—a curse, a desolation, and an object of scorn and reproach among all the nations. I will do this because they have not listened to My words, which I sent to them again and again through My servants. [Jeremiah 29:19].

The Lord rebukes his people for their disbelief. [Isaiah 48:1-11].

By Joe W. Bowers Jr   | California Black Media 

Mispronouncing Kamala Harris’s first name isn’t just a harmless mistake; it’s a reflection of a deeper issue that goes beyond simply placing emphasis on the wrong syllable.

Leadership is about showing respect, paying attention to detail, and engaging thoughtfully with the diverse communities that make up our country. When leaders fail in these areas, it raises questions about their judgement and ability to lead.

Harris, as the first female Vice President of the United States, carries a first name that is rooted in her Indian cultural heritage passed down from her mother, Shyamala Gopalan. Her name means “lotus flower,” and is pronounced “Comma-la.” So, when so-called leaders can’t be bothered to say her name correctly, it signals a disregard for the significance of that heritage, as well as a lack of commitment to understanding and representing all Americans. This neglect undermines the very essence of leadership, which is to respect and represent the people.

This issue of mispronouncing her name is not an isolated one. During the 2024 Republican National Convention, nearly half of the speakers who mentioned Harris’s first name mispronounced it. Former President Donald Trump, tech mogul Elon Musk, and several Republican leaders, including members of Congress and governors, repeatedly mispronounce her name. Bob Unanue, CEO of Goya Foods, even mocked her name by calling her  ‘Que-mala,’ which means ‘so bad’” in Spanish.

When influential people set this kind of example, it sends the wrong message—that details and respect for diversity don’t matter.

If Harris’s political opponents can’t take the time or make the effort to learn the correct pronunciation of her first name, it raises doubts about their ability to tackle more intricate and critical issues that demand attention to detail, empathy, and cultural awareness. In a nation as diverse as the United States, repeatedly mispronouncing the name of one of its highest-ranking officials undermines the core values of inclusivity and respect that are foundational to effective governance.

Mispronouncing a person’s name is often an attempt to characterize them as an outsider or “other,” a tactic that Trump frequently uses to diminish the individual’s identity and create a sense of alienation. This behavior goes beyond disrespect; it is calculated to deepen divisions and foster an “us versus them” mentality.

By refusing to correctly say a person’s name, Trump and others are showing a lack of respect for cultural differences, reinforcing the perception that they are arrogant, dismissive, and disconnected from the diverse society they aim to lead. Ironically, these actions make them appear to be ‘weird’ themselves.

Trump’s repeated mispronunciation of Harris’s name reflects a growing sense of desperation. As his poll numbers drop, his reliance on disrespectful tactics like this highlights an inability to focus on substantive issues. Instead of engaging with the real concerns of the American people, Trump’s behavior deviates from meaningful dialogue, revealing poor judgment that is unbefitting of a presidential candidate.

Since becoming a candidate for President, Harris has refrained from responding directly to Trump and others who mispronounce her name. However, during a 2020 interview with Trevor Noah on The Daily Show, she addressed the issue with grace and insight. Harris explained that a name is a precious gift from one’s family, rooted in tradition, love, and hope. She emphasized that respecting the significance of names honors those values, while mocking or mispronouncing them is childish and reflects a lack of maturity and respect.

“That the highest elected leaders should conduct themselves like they did when they were children on the playground, it speaks poorly of their appreciation for the responsibility of the role that they have,” Harris said to Noah. “And I think it’s a reflection of their values and their maturity.”

Harris added, “I don’t pay attention to the name-calling, Trevor. There’s some of us who have lived a lifetime of being called names. It is predictable, it is childish, and it will not distract me.”

Her response underscores the importance of respecting the cultural significance behind names, especially for those in leadership positions. By addressing the topic this way, Harris highlighted her commitment to dignity and respect, even in the face of those who choose to behave otherwise.

In the end, it’s not just about a name — it’s about what that name stands for and the respect it deserves. A true leader understands the importance of every detail, every nuance, and every person they serve. Anything less falls short of the standard of leadership that the American people deserve.

By Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey? ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media

Three reparations bills authored by Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) passed out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Aug. 15.

Senate Bill (SB) 1403, SB 1050, and SB 1331 are now on their way to the Assembly floor for a full vote. If approved, the bills would advance to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for his signature or veto.

“I want to thank the committee for seeing the importance of these measures,” Bradford said. “I think it speaks to the fact that reparations is an issue that still needs to be addressed. We still experience institutional racism and discrimination in this country.”

SB 1331 proposes creating an account in the state treasury to fund reparations policies approved by the Legislature and the Governor.

SB 1050 would offer compensation to Black Californians who are descendants of enslaved people who lost homes or had their land taken without fair compensation as a result of racially motivated misuse of eminent domain.

SB 1403 establishes the framework for establishing the California American Freedmen Affairs Agency (CAFAA), a state-level department that would oversee all reparations activities, including validating individuals’ status as a descendant of an enslaved person in the United States.

Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), Chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee, said it was critical that the reparations bills moved out of the “suspense file,” a designation for bills estimated to cost over $150,000 to implement.

“We moved forward with all the reparations bills. I think this is obviously a huge issue not just for our state but our country,” Wicks said. “It’s about time we have real-direct public policy conversations about it. It was important to move them through the committees so that we can have that conversation.”

In its final 1,075-page report submitted to the legislature in June 2023, the California Reparations Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans made 115 recommendations to compensate African Americans for harms experienced as a result of slavery.

One of the recommendations is for the state to issue a formal apology to the descendants of people enslaved in the United States. Assembly Bill (AB) 3089, authored by Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), would require the state to make that statement.

It passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee with a 5-0 vote and is the fourth reparations bill advanced by the Legislature. Senate minority leader Brian Jones (R-San Diego) and Sen. Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta), abstained from voting.

Chris Lodgson, a member of the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC), a Sacramento-based reparations advocacy organization, attended the Assembly Appropriation Committee’s suspense file hearing.

“Our ancestors have been with us every step of the way,” Lodgson said. “But there is still more work to do. We must get the (current) bills off the floor in the next two weeks. Make no mistake about it, we would not have those opportunities for the next fights if we did not win today.”

Dawn Paige of Concerned Black Citizens, Inc., flew in from North Carolina to be present at State Capitol Annex Swing Space to witness the passage of the bills. She sat with members of CJEC and other reparations advocates.

Paige traced her lineage back to 1721 in Virginia and 1830 in South and North Carolina. She trains and educates organizers and communities on how to advocate effectively reparations policy at the state and federal levels.

Reflecting on California’s significant role in creating a reparations blueprint for the rest of the country, Paige told California Black Media (CBM), “I came to see history. We’ve been working so hard, so long on this, and fought so hard that it’s actually yielding results in our favor. We are winning. There is no question that North Carolina was a slave and Jim Crow state, but to have the state with the fifth largest economy in the world pushing these legislations through and ultimately funding them is a big stamp of approval.”

Paige added, “It says that this can actually be implemented and that we can take this template and fit it into other states. That’s what I’ll be pushing in my organizing circle.”

Bradford, who terms out of the Legislature in November after serving in the Assembly and Senate, hopes the bills and other reparations legislation pushed by the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) set the standards for other states.

This year, Newsom added $12 million to the 2024-2025 budget to support reparations legislation.

“This is not a handout. This is what was promised to us 163 years ago and it’s long overdue,” Bradford said. “I hope it sends a signal not only for California but for the rest of the nation that this is a priority. Not only is California watching. The nation is watching.”

Fox Businesss

Small business owners felt a little more optimistic about the economy last month, but a greater share said inflation is their biggest operating problem, according to National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) data.

The NFIB reported Tuesday its Small Business Optimism Index, which is compiled monthly through a survey of small businesses, rose 2.2 points in July to 93.7. That is the highest reading since Feb. 2022, but the 31st straight month below the 50-year average of 98.

Meanwhile, the percentage of small business owners that cited inflation as their top problem rose four points from June, to 25%.

“Despite this increase in optimism, the road ahead remains tough for the nation’s small business owners,” said NFIB chief economist Bill Dunkelberg.

“Cost pressures, especially labor costs, continue to plague small business operations, impacting their bottom line,” Dunkelberg continued. “Owners are heading towards unpredictable months ahead, not knowing how future economic conditions or government policies will impact them.”

The survey found fewer small businesses raised compensation for employees last month, with a seasonally-adjusted 33% reporting lifting pay, down five points from June to the lowest level since April 2021.

At the same time, the net percent of owners raising average selling prices fell five points from June to a seasonally adjusted net 22%, while the share that planned price hikes for July fell two points to 24%, the lowest reading since April.