Gavin Newsom signs bills to apologize for California's 'role in the perpetuation of slavery'

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed several bills on Thursday intended to address the state's history of racial discrimination. He also issued a formal apology for the state's "role in the perpetuation of slavery."

"The State of California accepts responsibility for the role we played in promoting, facilitating, and permitting the institution of slavery, as well as its enduring legacy of persistent racial disparities. Building on decades of work, California is now taking another important step forward in recognizing the grave injustices of the past - and making amends for the harms caused," Newsom said in a statement.

The Legislative Black Caucus of the state also participated in Newsom's signing of the legislation on Thursday.

Some of the key bills mentioned in the press release, in addition to strengthening protections against discrimination and issuing a formal apology for slavery, expand access to literature in prisons, address employment discrimination, college and career financial aid, mental health disparities, and food and medical deserts, as reported by The Hill.

Noticeably missing from the laws adopted by Newsom were matters pertaining to reparations for black Californians, a pledge the governor made in 2020 during the anti-police racial justice riots as a way to send a moral signal to the black community, despite the majority of residents disagreeing with taxpayer-funded reparations. At one point, the state was considering dishing out $1.2 million payouts for every black resident in California, even if they had no connection to slavery.

On Wednesday, Newsom vetoed a reparations bill that would have allowed black families to reclaim or be compensated for property taken from them during the slave era. In his veto message, Newsom said that the legislation tasked "a nonexistent state agency to carry out its various provisions and requirements, making it impossible to implement."

Newsom expressed gratitude to Lori Wilson (D), the Legislative Black Caucus Chair of the state, and the other members of the caucus for their contributions, saying he's "profoundly grateful" for their efforts "as we confront the lasting legacy of slavery."

Wilson welcomed the new legislation but asserted her stance suggesting that reparations must be adopted in the future.

"These bills lay a meaningful foundation to address the historic injustices faced by Black Californians, and I want to extend my sincere thanks to my fellow Caucus members and the advocacy leaders who have championed this effort," Wilson said in a statement. "This is a multi-year effort, and I look forward to continuing our partnership with the Governor on this important work in the years to come as we push toward lasting justice and equity."