California to unveil groundbreaking slave reparations report

(KYMA, KECY/ AP News) - In California, the first-in-the-nation task force on reparations for African Americans will release a report Wednesday documenting in detail the harms perpetuated by the state and recommending steps to address those wrongs.

Some focuses include expanded voter registration, making it easier to hold violent police accountable and improving black neighborhoods.

It also recommends the creation of a special office that would help African Americans descended from free or enslaved black people in the country at the end of the 19th century document their eligibility for financial restitution.

The 500 page report will be the first government-commissioned study on harms against the African American community since the 1968 Kerner Commission Report.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation creating the task force in 2020, making California the only state to move ahead with a study and plan.