Newsom Signs Bills on Slavery Apology, Discrimination

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a series of bills, including a formal apology for the state's historical role in slavery and its enduring legacy of racial discrimination. The new legislation acknowledges the state's complicity in promoting and facilitating slavery, despite its 1849 Constitution banning the practice. The bills also address broader racial disparities by improving protections against hair discrimination, increasing oversight on banned books in prisons, and preventing food deserts. Despite these measures, advocates have criticized the lack of progress on direct reparations, particularly cash payments to descendants of enslaved people. Newsom previously vetoed a bill aimed at compensating Black families for property seized through eminent domain. The series of bills is part of a larger effort by the California Legislative Black Caucus to address historic injustices faced by Black Californians.