California Reparations Task Force Recommends Apology and Billions in Compensation for Descendants of Slavery

The California Reparations Task Force completed its two-year mandate and recommended the state apologize and pay billions to Black residents who are descendants of slaves.
The 1,075-page report details over a dozen remedies to address the legacy of slavery, including cash payments, free college, interest-free business loans, and healthcare reforms.
The task force did not determine exact compensation amounts but suggested a minimum of $1 million per person and estimated the state may owe over $500 billion in total reparations.
Policy changes and funding now go to the state legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom, who has expressed support for "taking the report seriously" but not yet committed to specific policies or dollar amounts.
Reparations aim to remedy racial inequities resulting from decades of discrimination in areas like housing, education, employment, and healthcare.