Supporters of reparations vow retribution after CA Democrats reject two bills: "Political retribution"

Last week, two bills related to reparations for the descendants of enslaved Black Americans did not pass in the California legislature. However, supporters are determined to continue the fight.

Two bills authored by Democrats aimed at providing reparations for the legacy of racist policies were considered crucial components of some lawmakers' ambitious efforts to address disparities faced by Black people in various areas, including housing, education, and health. Senate Bill 1331 proposed the creation of a new state fund for reparations, while Senate Bill 1403 established a state agency to oversee these efforts and determine eligibility.

Last week, after hours of heated debate and protests, the California Legislative Black Caucus and Democratic state lawmakers decided to move forward with the bills without them. Although the California legislature passed several bills aimed at addressing past racial injustices, none of these would provide direct payments to African-Americans.

Supporters of reparations are threatening revenge, with some considering recalling Black caucus members and other state Democrats who hindered the passage of the bills, according to CalMatters.

According to CalMatters, the caucus has planned to attend town hall meetings in some legislators' districts and at least one group has filed an ethics complaint against them with the special committee on legislative ethics. The complaint accuses the caucus of corruption and improper influence in the outcome of the bills.

Chris Lodgson, who has been working with state lawmakers on reparations since 2019, stated that there must be a political cost to achieving reparations.

"What we saw was our own people stopping our own people, which hurt in a different way," he said.

Assemblymember Lori Wilson, chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, stated on Saturday that the Caucus had withdrawn the bills, indicating that the proposals required further refinement.

From the outset, we were aware that it would be a challenging endeavor, and it would take several years to achieve our goal, as Wilson stated to reporters.

On Saturday, demonstrations occurred near the Capitol, with protesters calling for those who delayed the legislation to be held responsible.

"The Coalition for a Just & Equitable California wrote on X, "This type of betrayal cannot go unanswered. Politicians who disrespect Black Americans will face political consequences. The days of politicians treating Black Americans with disrespect are over. We are not affiliated with any party or special interest. We are the living embodiment of our ancestors who built this state and country over 400 years and are owed reparations. We are here, and we will get our checks and more.""

The California Legislative Black Caucus declined to provide a comment to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Planet Chronicle' Bradford Bentz contributed to this report.