The Alliance for Reparations, Reconciliation, and Truth (ARRT), a historic collaboration of California’s leading Black power-building and justice groups, shared its position on the passage of reparations-related bills at the end of the 2023-24 California Legislative session.
ARRT stands in solidarity with the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and commends their steadfast efforts in championing a suite of reparations bills. We applaud their work in advancing ACR 135 (Weber) and AB 3089 (Jones-Sawyer), which focus on acknowledgment and apology, and SB 1050 (Bradford), which seeks restitution by restoring property unjustly taken during race-based uses of eminent domain. Also noteworthy is AB 1815 (Weber), which aims to eradicate discrimination based on natural and protective hairstyles in competitive sports by extending the CROWN Act.
ACR 135, AB 3089, SB 1050, and AB 1815 are significant and necessary to advance reparations and social justice. We urge Governor Gavin Newsom to sign these critical bills before the September 30 deadline. We believe that the passage of these bills and the $12 million budget allocation, although incomplete towards comprehensive reparations solutions, are vital steps toward acknowledging historical wrongs.
While some important proposals may have failed this time, we acknowledge the complexities of the current fiscal and political environment and remain committed to advocating for meaningful and impactful progress. We urge our community and allies to remain steadfast.
ARRT encourages community advocacy organizations to join us in supporting ACR 135, AB 3089, SB 1050, and AB 1815 and mobilizing their communities to vote in favor of Proposition 6 and to oppose Proposition 36 in the upcoming election. Collaboration among grassroots organizations is crucial in amplifying our collective voice and ensuring that our demands for reparative justice are heard loud and clear.
ARRT supports Proposition 6, which addresses one of the United Nations principles of reparations—cessation of harm and a guarantee of non-repetition—by amending the California Constitution to abolish slavery. Supporting this proposition is essential for furthering our commitment to ending systemic injustices.
ARRT opposes Proposition 36, which threatens to reverse our progress and return us to the failed War on Drugs policies that contributed to mass incarceration. Proposition 36 sustains the cycle of criminalizing Black communities by ignoring the California Reparations Task Force’s recommendations for healing. It reinforces oppressive systems and contradicts the principles of justice and rehabilitation advocated by the Task Force.
We call on media outlets to continue emphasizing the importance of comprehensive reparations and the current legislative efforts, ensuring public awareness and engagement in this critical issue.
By working together, we can foster a unified movement that not only challenges systemic and anti-Black racism but also promotes truth, healing, and reparative justice. It is imperative that we galvanize support, inform voters of the implications of each proposition, and inspire active participation in the electoral process. Together, we have the power to influence change and build a more just society.
Together, we can ensure that truth, justice, and reconciliation prevail in California and beyond.
For further information about ARRT and to support the mission for reparations, visit https://alliancefor.org.
