The Reparations Task Force in California, which was established by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2020 to address historical injustices such as slavery, housing discrimination, and mass incarceration, is considering proposals for monetary compensation for Black Californians.
At a task force meeting, Max Fennell, a 35-year-old activist and coffee company owner, argued that each Black Californian should receive $350,000 in compensation to close the racial wealth gap, while Black-owned businesses should receive $250,000 and 15-20 acres of land. Fennell stated: “It’s a debt that’s owed, we worked for free. We’re not asking; we’re telling you.”
Economic research presented to the team suggested that California’s maximum liability for housing discrimination against Black residents between 1933 and 1977 was around $225,000, but it is expected that the task force’s reparation recommendations will be more targeted.
The task force, which released a 500-page report on segregation and racial terror in June, will only consider individuals who are descendants of Black Americans from the 19th century. The task force has until July 1, 2023 to deliver a final report to the state legislature.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has also expressed his support for reparations efforts in both California and New York, stating: “We need to zero in on some of those corporations and companies that the foundation of their wealth came from slavery. And I commend those lawmakers in Albany that are looking at this.”
Other parts of the US, including Boston, are also considering reparations.
