The Reparations Over Everything Coalition (ROEC) held a powerful press conference outside Governor Gavin Newsom’s Los Angeles office downtown on Oct. 3.
Representatives from major grassroots organizations, including the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC), Black Lives Matter LA, the National Assembly of American Slavery Descendants (NAASD), and others, voiced their deep dissatisfaction with Newsom’s recent formal apology for chattel slavery.
While Newsom’s apology was framed as a step toward racial justice, the coalition characterized it as an insincere gesture that failed to address the urgent material needs of Black Americans descended from U.S. chattel slavery. Instead of offering concrete reparative actions, the apology was seen as a symbolic act that does not lead to genuine restitution or justice.
Kamilah Moore, chair of the California Reparations Task Force, was among the speakers, highlighting the need for real reparations that extend beyond mere words.
Related Stories:
“We laid out a clear plan for reparations, including recommendations to create a reparations agency and a reparations fund for descendants of enslaved people. Yet, the California Legislative Black Caucus worked with Newsom to undermine these efforts by blocking crucial reparations bills,” she stated.
Moore also criticized the allocation of $6 million from the $12 million designated for reparations implementation to a nonprofit without a clear plan, calling it a betrayal.
“Under international law, an apology without material reparations not only fails but exacerbates harm,” she emphasized, demanding a public apology that follows the enactment of real reparations.
Jan Williams from Black Lives Matter LA expressed frustration over the lack of genuine communication from legislative leaders.
“On August 31, the California Legislative Black Caucus conspired to kill bills on the very day we planned to celebrate progress,” she said. “The apology was insincere because they refused to engage with us. It does nothing to stop the systemic issues our community faces.”
Nita Watson, representing the National Volunteer Council on Freedmen Affairs, affirmed that while the apology acknowledges California’s historical role in slavery, it lacks substance.
“An apology does not provide legal or financial compensation. True reparations involve concrete measures like direct payments, tax relief, and investment in community infrastructure,” she stated.
Kevin Warden Price from the Africa Town Coalition condemned the ongoing injustices within California’s prison system, highlighting the need for true reparations to prevent the continuation of slavery-like conditions.
“You cannot apologize while still committing the crime. Real reparations begin with the non-repetition of such crimes,” he urged.
Community members also expressed the need for accessible genealogy resources for those applying for reparations, ensuring equitable access for all affected individuals.
“The process must be equitable, with funding available to help those who cannot afford genealogical services,” said Yvette Porter Moore, a genealogist.
The coalition collectively called for the reintroduction and passage of SB 1403 and SB 1331, vital legislation for creating a reparations fund and agency. They emphasized the necessity for ongoing public engagement and accountability from the California Legislative Black Caucus regarding reparations implementation.
As the press conference concluded, the coalition reaffirmed their commitment to pushing for actionable policies that address the economic, political, and social consequences of chattel slavery. The event served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and reparations for Black Americans in California.
Kamilah Moore further articulated the coalition’s demands, stressing the urgency for actionable measures.
“We are not merely seeking an apology; we are calling for the establishment of a reparations agency dedicated to addressing the historical injustices faced by Black Americans in California. Our demands include the immediate reintroduction of transformative legislation that ensures direct financial compensation to descendants of enslaved individuals, as well as funding for community-led initiatives that promote education, health, and economic equity.
“It is imperative that these measures are implemented without delay, as they are essential for beginning the healing process. We urge Governor Newsom and the California Legislative Black Caucus to take our demands seriously, engage meaningfully with our communities, and commit to dismantling the systemic barriers that have persisted for generations.”
For more information, email Kamilah Moore at [email protected].
