CJEC is currently following the AB 3121 Task force and would like your input. We appreciate you taking the poll.

CJEC (Coalition for a Just and Equitable California) is a State wide advocacy group consisting of local chapters throughout California focusing primarily on issues surrounding the African American community stemming from historic and present systemic challenges that confront the African American community and in particular Reparations, business and government policies.

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The eyes of the country are on California as it takes on Reparations for African American U.S. Slavery Descendants. In less than three weeks, California’s historic Reparations Task Force goes to work. A first of its kind, the nine-member Task Force created by Assembly Bill or AB 3121 looks to deal once and for all with U.S Slavery, California’s role, as well as how the legacy of U.S Slavery affects descendants today. California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber, a former state Assemblymember from San Diego, led the effort to pass AB 3121. The state Reparations Task Force is similar to the Commission called for by national Reparations legislation H.R.40 and its Senate twin S.40, both moving through Congress. H.R.40 recently moved further in Congress than any Reparations legislation in history.

Organizers from The Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC) helped pass California’s Reparations Task Force law. CJEC fights for Reparations and Reparative Justice at the state level. According to a CJEC spokesperson:

California’s historic Task Force to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African American U.S Slavery Descendants is long overdue and a step in the right direction. Hundreds of community members across the state helped make it happen. We see and thank them. Now, we look forward to working with the Task Force to ensure it is open and responsive to community voices. Likewise, we look forward to helping ensure the Task Force’s report includes proposals based on sound Reparations principles that we can enact.

WHAT WILL THE CALIFORNIA REPARATIONS TASK FORCE DO?

California is leading the nation, in a bipartisan way, on the issue of reparations and racial justice, which is a discussion that is long overdue and deserves our utmost attention. Last year, I signed into law a number of key bills focused on leveling the playing field in our society and ensuring that everyone has a fair shot at achieving the California dream. Today’s appointment of individuals with an expansive breadth of knowledge, experiences and understanding of issues impacting the African American community is the next step in our commitment as a state to build a California for all.

California Governor Gavin Newsom

Coalition for a Just and Equitable California

According to law, California’s Reparations Task Force has three jobs. First, find and put together the records and evidence of Slavery. Next, recommend ways to educate the California public about its findings, as well as what remedies are needed. The Task Force is focused on African American U.S Slavery Descendants. A written report of the Task Force’s findings is due next year.

WHO’S ON CALIFORNIA’S REPARATIONS TASK FORCE?

Most of the Task Force’s members are known to the public. AB 3121 gave Governor Gavin Newsom the power to choose five of the nine. State Senate Leader Toni Atkins and Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon each chose two members.

The five individuals selected by the Governor to serve on this task force represent diverse backgrounds and meet the statutes required by law, which include choosing one candidate from the field of academia with expertise in civil rights and an additional two appointees selected from major civil society and reparations organizations that have historically championed the cause of reparatory justice. Other key factors considered for committee candidates included a background in economics and community development, health and psychology, law and criminal justice, faith-based and community activism, and an expertise in the historic achievement of reparatory justice.

Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced his picks for the Task Force. Read his choices below:

Dr. Cheryl N. Grills, Ph.D., 62, of Inglewood Dr. Amos C. Brown, Th.D., 80, of San Francisco Lisa Holder, J.D., 49, of Los Angeles Donald K. Tamaki, J.D., 69, of Piedmont Jovan S. Lewis, Ph.D., 38 Other known members of the Task Force include California Senator Steven Bradford and Councilwoman Monica Montgomery Steppe of San Diego.

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Last Tuesday, the new California Reparations Task Force held its first meeting. The event marked a historic first both for California and the nation as the nine-member Task Force begins work to develop Reparations proposals for African American U.S. Slavery descendants. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill (AB 3121) creating the Task Force in 2020. The Task Force has until June 2023 to complete its work.

Your California Reparations Task Force.

• Kamilah Moore – Chair
• Dr. Amos Brown – Vice Chair
• Senator Stephen Bradford
• Assembly Member Reginald Jones-Sawyer
• Dr. Cheryl Grills
• Lisa Holder
• Dr. Jovan Scott Lewis
• Councilmember Monica Montgomery Steppe
• Donald K. Tamak

Last week’s first meeting, held virtually, featured remarks by the Governor, as well as Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Attorney General Rob Bonta. During her last year in the state Assembly, Secretary Weber led the effort to pass the bill to create the California Reparations Task Force. The meeting last week lasted over seven hours. Hundreds tuned in and over a dozen community members made public comments. Elk Grove Tribune attended the meeting.

Members of the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC) commented about their expectations for the Task Force. Expectations included a Task Force open and responsive to community voices. In addition, members said they expect the Task Force to create what it calls the ‘right types of Reparations proposals’. CJEC works for Reparations and Reparative justice here in California. The group helped create AB 3121, the law creating the Task Force.

What Does The California Reparations Task Force Do?

California law says the new Reparations Task Force must gather information about slavery and Jim Crow in California and beyond. It will also come up with ways to educate the California public about what it learns. The Task Force also must make proposals for Reparations remedies. The first report is due on June 1, 2022. A final report is due June 1, 2023.

Importantly, the Task Force’s work cannot be considered a replacement for Reparations at the federal level.

What Was Discussed At The First Meeting The first meetings full agenda is printed for you below.

Welcome Remarks by Governor Newsom, Attorney General Bonta, and Secretary Weber

• Task Force Members Oath of Office
• Task Force Member Introductions
• Overview of AB 3121
• Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson Selection
• Expert Testimony
• Break
• Meeting and Hearing Logistics
• Public Comment
• Closing Remarks

The Task Force Picked Its Chair & Vice Chair

Last week the Task Force picked its Chair and Vice-Chair. The Chair and Vice-Chair lead the Task Force. Members voted by majority to elect Kamilah Moore as Chair. Additionally, members voted by majority to elect Dr. Amos Brown as Vice Chair.

The Task Force Heard From Reparations Experts

At last week’s meeting, the Task Force heard from national Reparations experts A. Kirsten Mullen and Dr.William Darity Jr.

What Happens Now/Next?

The Task Force will meet again in July to decide its meeting schedule, as well as topics of discussion for each meeting. The July meeting date is not yet known. Stay tuned to Elk Grove Tribune for more information on the next meeting of the California Reparations Task Force.