Last month, I had the honor and privilege of testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee on SB1050, a bill that would provide compensation to victims of racially-motivated eminent domain. Referring to this legislation as historic would be an understatement. WIML's work is crucial and has already changed many lives however, our work needs to be in concert with local and federal governments in order to create sustainable change.

When I began this work in 2020, I didn't have a roadmap. Where Is My Land is the product of trials, missteps, and the unshakeable knowledge that this is the path I was destined to trod. Legislation like SB1050 means that families like the White family in Santa Monica won't have to feel around in the dark to begin their land reclamation journeys.

These past few years have been harrowing, hearing stories of traumatized and dispossessed families on a regular basis. Many dispossessed via legalities like eminent domain have made it clear that the same legislation that paved the way for mass displacement must be re-evaluated in order for true repair to take place. 

Being able to lend our expertise to help craft bills like SB1050 is what this work is all about. While the current iteration of SB1050 is a great start, there were  blind spots that our advocacy was able to identify- namely the statute of limitations and land back. 

By addressing these limitations to the bill, we are actively working towards a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to rectifying the injustices marginalized communities face. Our advocacy efforts have shed light on the importance of compensating victims and ensuring that they have the opportunity to reclaim and restore their rightful ownership of land that was unjustly taken from them. This holistic approach is essential in fostering true healing and empowerment within these communities, and it is a core principle that guides our work at Where Is My Land.

Ebony Beach Club 

In case you missed it- Santa Monica City Council voted unanimously to move forward with the White family’s restitution claim. Their story was also featured on the front page of the LA Times, TWICE! 

Stay tuned, in the next month we will be hearing back from Santa Monica City Council with their recommendations. Do you think they'll get it right the first time?! 

The Matthews Family 

We're back in Huntsville, Alabama with the Garner Family! Carrie Matthews was unlawfully kicked off her land by greedy, conniving lawyers who lied about a key document for decades. Now, commercial properties like Aldi, Valvoline and more stand on her land. Right now, their petition has almost 350 signees, can we count on your signature?

Russell City Descendants for Restorative Justice

Russell City was once a beacon of Black independence and self-determination.  Despite a lack of infrastructure and external support, Russell City residents were self-sufficient and cultivated a community where culture and arts flourished. In 1963, Hayward City and Alameda County declared the city was a “blight,” condemned it, and evicted all its residents.

Both Hayward and Alameda County have issued apologies for the harm and created commissions to determine what repair should look like. Last month, the Hayward City Council held a working meeting to receive survivor recommendations and public comment. 

Stay tuned for more updates and calls to action as we resume their campaign! This moment is crucial and we have to remain vigilant to ensure the Russell City Descendants for Restorative Justice receive land back and financial compensation.

Last month, our CEO, Kavon Ward and a member of the Russell City Descendants for Restorative Justice, Jesse Mae, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on SB1050, legislation that would provide compensation to victims of race-based eminent domain. SB1050 will undoubtedly pave the way for large scale repair and help countless WIML families in California like the Russell City Descendants for Restorative Justice. Our work is groundbreaking but we need legislation to ensure we clear a path for sustainable, meaningful change.

Click below to watch Kavon's full testimony! 

With another huge milestone under our belt in Santa Monica, our impact is undeniable. This work wouldn't be possible without your generous donations, large or small. Help us to continue scaling this work and impacting the lives of Black families across America. 

We have a new fiscal sponsor and are now able to accept tax-deductible donations again!

Top Reparative Justice Headlines from April 2024

San Francisco, CA: Senator Bradford's first stop was SB796 in 2021. Now, he's working on passing SB1050!

Evanston, IL: Spreading the wealth!! In a historic move, the first government-funded reparations program transferred $17 million into Liberty Bank and Trust, one of Illinois' only Black-owned banks.

Nashville, TN: Tennessee kills a bill that would prohibit local officials from funding and studying reparations. Opposition is quickly learning that this movement cannot be stopped.

St. Paul, MN: Former residents of Westside Flats, a predominantly Black and Mexican-American community that was razed for an industrial park and flood wall are now seeking reparations and repair. 

Lansing, MI: A church in Michigan is taking on a tall order- raising reparations while the government takes its time. The First Presbyterian Church of Lansing has raised over $400,000 since 2021 and has no signs of slowing down. 

United Nations: Put your money where your mouth is! The U.N. chief officially called for reparations to remedy 'generations of discrimination.

Portugal: Disappointed but not surprised. Despite kicking off the Transatlantic Slave Trade, Portugal does not believe it has a moral imperative to pay reparations. What do you think?